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.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: LA Galaxy Supporters
Key venue association: Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly Home Depot Center)

Lore & Background

The first match between the two senior teams, LAFC's third-ever regular season game, was played on March 31, 2018, at the StubHub Center. Despite LAFC leading 3–0 after 60 minutes, the match ended in a 4–3 win for the Galaxy, including two goals from substitute Zlatan Ibrahimović on his club debut. The 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.

Reader's Guide

The Galaxy and LAFC have met in regular season, MLS Cup playoffs, and U.S. Open Cup. Notable matches include the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals (LAFC won 5–3), the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament group stage (LAFC won 6–2), and the 2022 U.S. Open Cup (Galaxy won 3–1). The 2023 Rose Bowl match set a new MLS record for standalone attendance with 82,110 spectators. 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 while punning on 'El Clasico'.
On December 7, 2024, John McCarthy became the first person to win the MLS Cup with both clubs, previously winning with Los Angeles FC in 2022.
LAFC fans often refer to the Galaxy as 'Carson Galaxy' because the Galaxy play in Carson, California, not the city of Los Angeles.