2013 El Tráfico Derby vs Chivas USA

Lore & Background

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 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 teams played at Banc of California Stadium on July 26 and was followed by a second match at the StubHub Center on August 24 during MLS Rivalry Week. The second meeting, on July 26, ended in a 2–2 draw at the Banc of California Stadium. Six fans were arrested in clashes between fans at the stadium, where seats were damaged and fights broke out. The final meeting of the two teams in 2018, played a month later on August 24, ended in a 1–1 draw at the StubHub Center.

Did You Know?

• The name 'El Tráfico' was created by MLS fans and adopted by media outlets following polls by SB Nation blogs LAG Confidential and Angels on Parade.
• The name refers to the notorious traffic congestion in Los Angeles, while also serving as a pun on 'El Clasico'.
• MLS has no plans to trademark the name 'El Tráfico'.