Match Preview: LA Galaxy head into El Trafico with more momentum than LAFC
The 22nd edition of El Trafico takes place Saturday night at BMO Stadium as the LA Galaxy look to remain undefeated in the 2024 MLS season. The last time the two clubs met at LAFC’s home ground, the Galaxy suffered a 4-2 defeat. LA leads the all-time series with a record of 9-7-5 (46 GF, 45 GA).
LAFC is coming off a 3-2 loss on the road to the Colorado Rapids. David Martinez was given a red card in the 85th minute - he will miss Saturday night’s game through suspension. The Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on a wet pitch at Dignity Health Sports Park. Gabriel Pec opened his goalscoring account with the Galaxy that night.
I will be at the LA Galaxy’s watch party at Galaxy Park to record a pre-game show with Corner of the Galaxy and Kevin Ryder. The live show will begin at around 3:35 and run until around 4:40ish. Following the podcast recording, the match will be on the big screen for people to watch. If you’re not heading to BMO Stadium, I’d recommend joining us at Galaxy Park. Admission and parking is free, it’s also recommended you bring a chair to the event.
Injury Report
LAFC
OUT: Lorenzo Dellavalle (right knee)
LA Galaxy
OUT: Jalen Neal (abdominal)
OUT: Eriq Zavaleta (head)
The Storyline: Proving You Run LA
The Galaxy is heading into this derby match sitting alone at the top of the Western Conference while LAFC sits in ninth. While it’s still early in the season, a win in the derby is a statement win - especially since LAFC are the last two winners of the Western Conference.
The Galaxy has all the momentum heading into this game. Top of the standings, DP’s finding their rhythm together, and better defense in open play has the Galaxy completely different from last season.
This can be the LA Galaxy signature win if they play their cards right in this intense rivalry game. LA’s offense is the best in the league and they have yet to truly reach their ceiling as a unit. All eyes will fall on this marquee matchup in LA, this is the best chance to show the country what the 2024 LA Galaxy is made of.
Players to Watch
LAFC: Eduard Atuesta
After two seasons in Brazil, Atuesta returned to LAFC this offseason and is already one of the club’s top performers. He’s playing as an “8” in his second stint with LAFC instead of a “6” during Bob Bradley’s time at the club. The Colombian has two goals and one assist in six games for LAFC in 2024.
He’s a smart player who knows what runs/passes to make and he’s also not afraid to take a shot on goal when the moment approaches. Atuesta will look to cause problems if he’s in open space and his IQ of the game is top-notch. Aside from Denis Bouanga, he’s LAFC’s top offensive threat.
LA: Riqui Puig
You want your star player to show up in a rivalry game and Puig doesn’t let you down. His best performances in an LA Galaxy shirt have come when he’s playing LAFC.
He shows his class by dribbling through the midfield trenches with ease, playing out of pressure, and passing the ball into open spaces. Puig leads the Galaxy with chances created (12), passes into the final third (54), and progressive passes (65) so far this season.
What’s key for Puig on Saturday night is that he doesn’t force passes into dangerous spots too often. He can play excellent line-breaking passes but too often they can lead to the opponent transitioning quickly and creating a quality chance. If Puig can pick his moments wisely, he’ll keep the Galaxy in control of the game.
The Winning Edge: Yamane vs. Bouanga
The most intriguing matchup on Saturday night will be Miki Yamane and Bouanga dueling on the left wing.
Bouanga’s 2023 MLS Golden Boot cemented him among the premier goalscorers in the league and his rapid speed in open space makes him a nightmare to defend. The Gabonese winger has two goals and two assists in six games played this season.
Yamane has settled well in his first season with LA Galaxy and is flying under the radar with his strong performances this campaign. The Japanese defender leads the team in tackles won (8), interceptions (12), and clearances (12) through six games. When it comes to dribblers’ tackles, Yamane has won seven out of nine duels.
Eriq Zavaleta’s injury now puts extra pressure on Yamane to hold his own on the backline. If Martin Caceres can’t start, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Yamane playing as part of a back three. He’s played in that position at times during the season but still plays more wide than centrally.
LAFC has grown extremely dependent on Boaunga to score and lift the team on his shoulders. It’s on Yamane to keep the Gabon winger from running into open space and getting shot on goal. It’s a tall task but one that he’s capable of in my opinion.