“LA Galaxy or LAFC”
For 10-year-old Harbor Miller, that was a question about his future rather than what team to support.
Miller had to choose between the academy programs of both clubs. Where would he spend the most important developmental years of his career to have a shot at playing at the professional level?
It just so happens Miller was at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 31st, 2018 – the first ever meeting between both LA teams.
Miller had the perfect view to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s two goals in the Galaxy comeback win over LAFC. Not too long afterwards, Miller would commit to the LA Galaxy academy.
“That game was also a huge factor of like, hey, like this is where I want to be. And ever since then, I was like, wow, I really want to represent this club. This is a huge rivalry that like you know, this is my side and forever will be,” Miller told reporters after training.
At the academy level, Miller still felt the rivalry as both the Galaxy and LAFC’s youth teams would face off often.
“Both of our academies have been very strong. And when I was younger, I would say we didn’t win many. And then as we kind of got older, our team started to develop more and get a lot better. And then we finally got to beat them a few times, and it’s actually the best feeling when you can win that game compared to a lot of other games,” said Miller of the academy days.
With the 28th edition of El Trafico on Sunday, Miller’s insight showed how much this game means for fans and young kids with dreams of making it to the professional level.
“It’s the people in stands. It’s the fans. It’s the hardcore fans. It’s also the kids, the kids with dreams and with goals. You know, this is these are moments where they have choices, and and sometimes these little moments can make a big difference in in what they see as their choices,” head coach Greg Vanney said about the rivalry.
“It’s a game for playoff points and positioning, and it’s a game for territorial bragging rights for everybody. It’s all those, but there’s just so many layers to these derbies that when you sit down and you actually go through them in your head, you realize how big they are,” added Vanney.
2026 has been the year for the 19-year-old U.S Youth National Team player to become a genuine part of the LA Galaxy rotation. No scrap minutes off the bench, but rather meaningful shifts across different sectors of the pitch.
“Starting games, not starting games, playing a ton of minutes back-to-back and then not playing some as well. Playing four corners of the field: right back, left back, left wing, right wing. You know, all these different places,” said Miller about his experience this season.
“I think that has been the biggest thing. Every single weekend I have an opportunity to make a huge impact, and I’m not only for myself but for my team and for my city as well. So that pressure is obviously is huge, and I take that I don’t take that lightly at all. But I also think that it’s a privilege to be able to be in the situation for sure,” added Miller.
The 19-year-old is a workhorse with a great work rate on both sides of the pitch. His raw speed and directness help him in the attack and in recoveries on defense. The natural hardcore competitor is always present in his emotional reactions to winning a tackle or forcing a defender to lose possession.
It’s that hard-working attitude and natural talent that have Vanney seeing this academy product establish himself in the squad.
“He’s a success story. … The key is sustainability. It’s not like just getting your opportunity. It’s about sustainability,” said Vanney.
“Harbor’s physically mature and he’s got power, and he’s got the things at a little bit earlier age, and then he also has the charisma and the confidence that go with it. And for some kids, it just takes a little longer for those pieces to come together,” said Vanney.
It’s not just the coaching staff taking note of Miller. Gyasi Zardes, one of LA’s most accomplished homegrown players in club history, sees the potential in Miller.
“I got to talk to Gyasi Zardes. He was here the other day, and I literally told him, ‘Hey, man, I looked up to you for so long,’ and he told me that it’s my turn now. And those words really stuck with me,” said Miller.
“I think going into this weekend, I’m going to keep that in the back of my brain,” he added.
At 19, Miller knows he’s the prime example of the path the LA Galaxy academy can provide. He’s been to Ventura County FC playoff games, participated at community events, and shows a welcoming personality to media looking to learn about him.
As El Trafico looms closer, Miller knows putting a good showing in this game can inspire a kid looking to take their next step in making their soccer dream a reality, like he was eight years ago.
“I just want to be an inspiration to show that hey, you can do it from wherever you come from, especially from LA,” said Miller. “Playing at the biggest stage here in LA, and hopefully choose the good side.”