The fifth chapter of the young ” El Trafico” derby took place on Sunday in an unreal, passionate atmosphere at the Banc of California Stadium. The Los Angeles Football Club went in looking for their first win against the LA Galaxy, but a brilliant 20 minutes in the first half from the LA Galaxy were enough to stop the black and gold. 

LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic punished Los Angeles before the second minute with a powerful first post shot leaving the goalkeeper beaten. Los Angeles Football Club would even things up in the 12th minute thanks to a far post header by midfielder Latif Blessing. The first half continued to be a nightmare for Los Angeles Football Club. Their mistakes in the final third allowed for the Galaxy to find open spaces in the counter attack. The LA Galaxy took advantage of those spaces and managed to score two goals in one minute. Ibrahimovic’s second goal of the night and Pavon’s first MLS goal put the score 3-1 in 16 minutes. Blessing grabbed himself a brace right before halftime to put Los Angeles Football Club closer on the scoreboard.

LAFC Own The Second Half

The second half was much better from the Los Angeles Football Club. They took control of the ball, and improved on the pressure in the attacking third whenever the ball was lost. This allowed Los Angeles Football Club to recover the ball fast and in an attacking position. This constant pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when forward Carlos Vela scored his 27th goal of the season to tie things up. Unfortunately, Vela had to leave the game eight minutes later due to a possible hamstring injury. Los Angeles Football Club continued with the pressure but unable to find a goal that would give them the win.

” The response in the second half was great, we created a bunch of chances. The fourth was there but it didn’t happen tonight”, said Los Angeles Football Club coach Bob Bradley.

Los Angeles Football Club continues to lead in the Western Conference while the LA Galaxy remains in fourth place. Los Angeles Football Club will have to wait for a possible playoff matchup against the Galaxy in order to get another shot at a first win against its cross town rivals. There are seven games left for the Los Angeles Football Club to win the Supporters’ Shield. A trophy given to the best team in the MLS during the regular season. Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy will be looking to secure the best possible spot for the playoffs.