Rose Bowl El Trafico: A Battle for the City and Western Conference Supremacy
The Rose Bowl game is back with two-stellar teams on display on Independence Day
The LA Galaxy will host LAFC at one of SoCal’s iconic sports venues for the second year in a row. Last season’s match broke the MLS attendance record (82,110) and provided one of the most electric atmospheres during the 2023 MLS season.
There is a sense of occasion given the venue but more so the current state of both clubs. For the first time in regular season play, both the LA Galaxy and LAFC are firing on all cylinders simultaneously.
The G’s are riding a four-game winning streak and the black and gold is unbeaten in nine games. Both clubs have 40 points - with the winner of Thursday’s affair set to be the sole team atop the Western Conference.
“He took the game to another level and another speed and I think there shouldn't be too many comments on whether this team is better with or without Riqui [Puig],” said head Coach Greg Vanney during his presser following the Cali Clasico last Saturday.
“I think that's nonsense.”
Puig - recently named to the 2024 MLS All-Star Game - found himself in the spotlight during the LA Galaxy’s three-game win streak despite not playing a single minute on the pitch.
The Galaxy leaned heavily into playing within Vanney’s system and got impressive victories against quality opposition. Diego Fagundez, who provided a patient and more methodical approach, filled in well for Puig during his absence.
Pundits locally and nationwide talked about and questioned whether the Galaxy needs Riqui Puig to be successful. But his 35-minute cameo against San Jose reminded everyone how much quality LA was missing.
The Galaxy’s pace in possession took a step forward compared to the previous matches and his ability to evade players in the midfield shined. Puig has that IT factor when he’s firing on all cylinders and motivated - which he showed online.
Days prior to the match, Puig posted on X reminding his followers of the preseason prediction made by MLSsoccer.com. He captioned the post, “We trust you! You are so good with predictions! Enjoy the LA Galaxy this year!”
Sacha Kljestan - a former teammate of Puig and pundit on Apple’s MLS Season Pass - spent most of the preseason making comments downplaying the 2024 LA Galaxy and said the club was “a 90’s actor trying to make a comeback.”
Following the win against the Quakes, Puig went on X and commented on his former teammate not being on the broadcast of MLS 360.
During Tuesday's media availability, Puig said, “There are times some people talk too much, especially if you come from a club where they have given you everything and taken care of you. And I think you need to have more respect for the Galaxy” when asked about the fun he’s been having on social media recently.
Puig loves having a fire lit underneath him, it makes him play at his best to help the Galaxy win. It was evident last year when Giorgio Chiellini called Puig a clown last year and then the Spainaird had one of his best performances during last season’s Rose Bowl match versus LAFC.
While that night last year was magical, his recent performances against the Black and Gold haven’t been so. In Puig’s last two matches against LAFC, the Spanish midfielder has a combined total of zero chances created.
In those games, LAFC forced Puig to drop deep to get touches of the ball. Puig rarely ever received the ball in the attacking half and when he did, the Black and Gold made sure to be physical with him.
While LAFC will be looking to replicate its defensive performances against the Spaniard, a motivated Puig looks to dominate the middle of park like he did a year ago.
When Puig’s goal at the Rose Bowl went in last season, John McCarthy faced the celebrating LA Galaxy supporters as they went into a state of euphoria. McCarthy, whose birthday is on July 4, was the backup goalkeeper for LAFC to start the ‘23 season as the starter Maxime Crépeau was sidelined with a long-term injury. He rarely was viewed as starting caliber material for LAFC despite his heroics during the 2022 MLS Cup victory for the Black and Gold.
A year later, McCarthy is defending LA Galaxy colors and has become one of, if not the best shot-stopper in MLS.
According to FBRef.com’s post-shot minus xG metric - one of the best stats to measure a goalkeeper’s performance at saving shots - McCarthy leads MLS with a rating of +6.2. In American Soccer Analysis’ Goals Added metric, the former MLS Cup MVP ranks third among ‘keepers with 5.7.
“For goalkeepers, it's all about rhythm,” said McCarthy. “If you can get some consistency you just have to try to be a consistent goalkeeper and there's obviously going to be some highs and lows that's just part of life.”
The eye test backs the numbers as he’s been monumental during the club’s recent matches as he’s on a streak of four consecutive shutouts. McCarthy makes clutch saves when called upon and rarely has allowed a goal that makes you believe he could’ve done better.
McCarthy credits getting a good amount of playing time last year helped him rekindle his confidence in between the sticks and get experience commanding a backline.
LAFC now has former World Cup winner Hugo Lloris but McCarthy would enjoy getting to show his abilities in front of his former team on his birthday.
A lot has changed between these two teams since their last meeting in mid-April.
The Galaxy has their DP wingers in good form as they’ve dealt with the first half of their inaugural MLS season, the defense is playing at its best level all season, and multiple players have taken a step forward in their development.
The most notable has been DP Gabriel Pec. When you compare his run of form heading into the first El Trafico of the season in April to now - it’s day and night.
Pec has recorded two goals and four assists in his last six games for the LA Galaxy. He’s on a roll and finding ways to continuously impact games for the G’s, something that wasn’t too present in his first few weeks in LA.
Looking at his stats now among other wingers in MLS, Pec is starting to establish himself among the elite.
His ball progression stats are impressive and show his importance to the Galaxy attack. Whether it’s ball progression or being the direct outlet in the attacking third, Pec will be heavily involved.
More: A Tactical Breakdown of Gabriel Pec (Video)
The number 11 shirt has caused so many problems for LAFC in the past. Samuel Grandsir and Tyler Boyd both had a knack for scoring against the black and gold during their time with G’s - now that number belongs to Gabriel Pec.
The young Brazilian has all the tools to dominate MLS and give the LA Galaxy a player it can consistently rely on to be a game-changer. There is no better time to display his talent and the LA Galaxy attack than under the Rose Bowl lights on Independence Day.