It’s finally here. Part one of the biggest rivalry match LAFC have on the schedule. A short trip down the 110 to Carson to take on the absolutely despised, but now defending MLS Cup Champions, LA Galaxy. This time though, there is a little less hype, not because the excitement dying down, but because coming into this match one team is starting to look like a true contender for the MLS Cup, while the other side comes into tonight winless, and just hoping not to be hurt too bad. That said, it is a rivalry match, and we all know form goes out the window, as anything can happen on the night.
24 Hours. ⏳
🆚 Galaxy
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles#LAFC | @trulyseltzer pic.twitter.com/q0h92RvJUX— LAFC (@LAFC) May 18, 2025
To say it has not been a good start to the season for the defending champions, would be the biggest understatement in history. Galaxy have yet to win a single match this season, and have looked progressively worse with each outing. In their last five matches, they have lost by a combined scoreline of 16-4, as they continue to have to make the attack work without one of their most potent options, Riqui Puig, who is out with an ACL injury that he suffered in the MLS Cup Playoffs semifinals last season. Galaxy are currently led by one-time LAFC forward, Christian Ramirez, who jumped enemy lines after short stints with Houston Dynamo and Columbus Crew. Desperate doesn’t begin to describe the vibes Galaxy will be on tonight as they look for any sliver of positivity in this season at the moment, and how more positive can you get than stunning the league by taking three points off your rivals, and putting a stop to their unbeaten run.
Speaking of LAFC, they may only have MLS competition to worry about at the moment, but it doesn’t mean the schedule can’t still get a bit hectic. This will be their third match in a week’s time. They come into this match having gone unbeaten in their last six outings, having won three and drawn three in that span. While LAFC will see a few familiar faces on the opposite side, this is a homecoming for one of their own, midfielder Mark Delgado, who returns to face the Galaxy where he spent two seasons, playing a pivotal role in securing their most recent MLS Cup trophy. “To be honest leading up to it [the match] was very emotional, but as we get closer to it all those emotions turn to excitement” said Mark Delgado when speaking to media ahead of tonight. “Not a lot to expect, just going out there, wearing the black & gold now, and looking to put in a good performance for my team.” On paper, this should be an easy three points for LAFC who are finding their stride and starting to look better and better with each match, but it is a rivalry match, and while the trip was short, they are on the road. Scoring early, and often, will be the biggest key for the black & gold, now more than ever. You do not want to give Galaxy any sliver of hope, and scoring a couple early will undoubtedly have them feeling that, ah shit here we go again, feeling.
How To Watch
El Trafico writes another chapter tonight, with kickoff set for 6:00pm PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The match will be broadcast live and can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking to listen on radio can find the match on 710AM ESPN, with Spanish broadcasting on 980AM LA Mera Mera.
Thoughts ahead of the big rivalry match? Leave a comment below!