We Are LA
The crosstown rivalry that defines Los Angeles soccer.
El Tráfico, also known as the Los Angeles Derby, is a soccer rivalry between the two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs based in the Greater Los Angeles area, the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC. The rivalry is one of two crosstown derbies in MLS, alongside the Hudson River Derby in the New York City area. It replaced the SuperClasico between the LA Galaxy and defunct Chivas USA.
- Subject
- Club Anthem & Fan Culture
- Affiliation
- LA Galaxy Supporters
- Origin Era
- Late 1990s / Early MLS History
- Key Venue Association
- Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly Home Depot Center)
- Cultural Status
- Defining Club Identity
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
This rivalry has been characterized by dramatic goals, high scoring, and consistently close results, as well as mutual fan animosity. El Tráfico quickly became one of the most popular and contested rivalries in the league; in addition to regular season play, the Galaxy and LAFC have played each other in the MLS Cup playoffs and U.S. Open Cup. The first match between the two senior teams was played on March 31, 2018, at the StubHub Center, ending in a 4–3 win for LAFC. The rivalry includes notable incidents such as fan arrests, vandalized murals, and a record attendance of 82,110 at the Rose Bowl on July 4, 2023. On December 7, 2024, John McCarthy won the MLS Cup with both clubs, previously winning with Los Angeles FC in 2022, joining other players such as Gyasi Zardes who have also achieved this feat.
In Their Own Story
The sun dips below the Hollywood Hills as the floodlights at Dignity Health Sports Park ignite the pitch. A hush falls over the crowd for a split second before the drums begin their rhythmic pulse, shaking the concrete barriers. Suddenly, thousands of voices erupt in unison, a wall of sound that rises above the crackle of the broadcast commentary: "We Are LA!" The chant bounces off the stadium walls, vibrating through the soles of the players' boots as they line up for kickoff, a reminder that tonight, the city belongs to them.
Reader's Guide
The Galaxy and LAFC have met in regular season, MLS Cup playoffs, and U.S. Open Cup matches. The Galaxy's home stadium is Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly StubHub Center) in Carson, California; LAFC's home stadium is BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium) in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Notable results include LAFC's 6–2 win on July 18, 2020 (largest margin of victory), the Galaxy's first away win on August 22, 2020, and the Galaxy's 3–1 win in the first US Open Cup El Tráfico on May 25, 2022. The 2024 match at the Rose Bowl resulted in a $100,000 fine for the Galaxy due to supporter misconduct. For 2025, the games will return to the clubs' respective home stadiums due to the balanced schedule.
Did You Know?
- The name 'El Tráfico' was created by MLS fans and adopted by media outlets, referring to Los Angeles traffic congestion.
- The first El Tráfico match in 2018 saw Zlatan Ibrahimović score two goals on his Galaxy debut, including a 4–3 comeback win.
- LAFC fans often refer to the Galaxy as 'Carson Galaxy' because the Galaxy play in Carson, not Los Angeles.
- The Rose Bowl match on July 4, 2023, drew 82,110 spectators, though it did not set an MLS record for standalone attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'We Are LA'?
It is the official anthem and cultural heartbeat of the LA Galaxy, serving as a unifying declaration of identity for the club's passionate supporters. This chant has evolved from a simple song into a defining symbol of the team's spirit since its origins in the late 1990s.
When did 'We Are LA' originate?
The anthem emerged during the club's early years in the late 1990s, coinciding with the launch of Major League Soccer. It quickly became a staple of the fan experience as the Galaxy established themselves as a premier franchise.
Where is 'We Are LA' most famously heard?
The chant echoes through the club's historic venues, including the Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly Home Depot Center) and the current Banc of California Stadium. These locations have hosted decades of electric atmospheres fueled by this iconic declaration.
Why is 'We Are LA' important to Galaxy fans?
It acts as a powerful unifying force that encapsulates the electric atmosphere defining every match for one of MLS's most loyal fanbases. The song represents more than just entertainment; it is a shared identity that connects generations of supporters.
How does 'We Are LA' reflect the club's history?
The anthem mirrors the Galaxy's journey from their inception to decades of success, solidifying its place in Los Angeles soccer lore. It remains a constant roar that celebrates the team's legacy and the enduring passion of its community.
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