After three straight defeats, LAFC will be looking to bounce back against the Galaxy in a new edition of El Trafico. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PDT at BMO Stadium.
Andy HallUpdate: Sep 16th, 2023 05:35 EDT
Kirby LeeUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
LAFC and the LA Galaxy head into Saturday’s matchup at BMO Stadium having both suffered mixed results in recent weeks. LAFC had been enjoying a dynamic regular season up until the Leagues Cup but since MLS resumed, the Black and Gold have only won once and slumped to three straight defeats, losing to Charlotte, Inter Miami and Portland. In spite of that, Steve Cherundolo’s side remain in a strong position – third in the Western Conference on 40 points, eight behind leaders St. Louis.
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The Galaxy are at the opposite end of the standings, second from bottom and seven points adrift of the playoff places although having played two games less. Greg Vanney’s team, who had an underwhelming Leagues Cup (eliminated at the group stage), have an overall record of 7W-10L-9D and the third worst defensive ps in the conference. Their position in the standings is a reflection of that – they have either struggled to kill games off or been forced to come from behind too many times although they remain in the running for the playoffs – as long as they can get back into their stride. It’s worth remembering that they did beat LAFC in the reverse fixture, at the Rose Bowl, back in July.
This will be the 21st installment of the Los Angeles derby, El Trafico since the first meeting in September 2016 and the 16th during the regular season. The Galaxy edge the head-to-head ps with nine wins compared to LAFC’s six.
MATCHDAY. #BlackoutLA. pic.twitter.com/33hp8HOfzL
— LAFC (@LAFC) September 16, 2023
BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium) will host Saturday’s game. The hosts have looked strong on home soil this season – only three teams have won there: Inter Miami, Vancouver and Houston; their home record after 27 games stands at 8W-3L-3D.
"This is the biggest game in the league." 🔜Riqui Puig, Tyler Boyd & Douglas Costa speak ahead of Saturday's rivalry match.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 14, 2023
The betting houses have the defending champions start outing as favorites at -175 with the Galaxy at +450 – the bookmakers seem to think that there will definitely be a winner with odds for a draw at +320.
📸 History in the Heart of LA. Tomorrow we write the next chapter.📺 https://t.co/aMg7xBKuXK pic.twitter.com/7oLWKJqMTt
— LAFC (@LAFC) September 15, 2023
