CONTACT US

Contact Form

    News Details

    Swanson: Galaxy, LAFC grudge match delivers before an MLS record crowd
    • July 5, 2023

    Original LA Galaxy mascot Twizzle waves the victory flag at the end of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC forward Kwadwo Opoku, center, heads the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa chases the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    A LA Galaxy fan holds up a sign prior to the start of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    A soccer fan holds up an American flag prior to the start of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy supporters ignite red flairs during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Fireworks explode while the national anthem plays to a record breaking 82,110 fans in attendance prior to the start of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC enter the field, to a record breaking 82,110 fans in attendance, prior to the start of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) catches the ball in the air against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC goalkeeper John McCarthy, left, makes a save off a kick by LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić, right, vies for the ball with Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sanchez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, center, makes a stop after a goal attempt by Los Angeles FC forward Nathan Ordaz, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela, right, controls the ball against LA Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC supports cheer during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC defender Erik Dueñas, left, moves the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC midfielder Timothy Tillman, left, kicks the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy defender Raheem Edwards, left, and Los Angeles FC forward Kwadwo Opoku chase the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo look on during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney looks on during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy defender Calegari, front, chases after the ball defended by Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead, left, moves the ball against LA Galaxy midfielder Tyler Boyd during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini kicks the ball against the LA Galaxy during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig kicks the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, center, moves the ball between Los Angeles FC defenders during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić celebrates with a rose in his mouth after defeating the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig celebrates after scoring the winning goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy defender Raheem Edwards, left, battles Los Angeles FC midfielder Timothy Tillman during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy defender Calegari heads the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, left, controls the ball against LA Galaxy defender Calegari during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, front, is held by Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sanchez during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa, center, vies for the ball with Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Tyler Boyd celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig celebrates with a rose in hand at the end of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, jumps in the air after scoring the winning goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

    of

    Expand

    PASADENA – Take any tangible mode of measurement and throw it out the window, far as you can.

    So what if the Galaxy came in with a 3-9-7 record, second-worst in Major League Soccer? And that LAFC was 9-5-5, second-best? No one cared! Not one soul commemorating the Fourth of July as part of the MLS record 82,110 in attendance at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday.

    The Galaxy’s five MLS championships, more than any other team? LAFC’s first, a thriller in penalty kicks over Philadelphia Union just eight months ago? Whatever.

    LAFC’s billion dollar valuation? The Galaxy being operated by AEG, the world’s largest owner of sports teams and events? Irrelevant. Don’t mention it.

    Not during an El Trafico, L.A.’s fiercest sports rivalry, which promised lots of goals and “lots of yelling,” like, “nonstop,” said Galaxy fans Sammy Martin and her dad, Fernando. “A lot of trash talking,” said Hector Padilla, an LAFC guy.

    In other words: “A spectacular atmosphere,” said Galaxy fan Edgar Hernandez a few hours before the Independence Day LAFC-Galaxy fireworks show.

    Just that this El Trafico — a typically up-and-down match the Galaxy won, 2-1 — would be three times as rabid, as rowdy, as spirited a spectacle as usual, because this version of the rivalry showdown was placed perfectly. In the Rose Bowl.

    The Galaxy got back to its roots, to “the place we used to call home,” as coach and former player Greg Vanney described it. Back to where the Galaxy made its 1996 debut, a 2-1 victory over the New York/New Jersey MetroStars that attracted a crowd of 69,225.

    This year, in the Galaxy’s first official MLS match here since 2002, they kept them separated: A section of the northern concourse was dedicated exclusively to LAFC’s fans. Those folks flexing like it says on the front of their jerseys, their team riding the wave of success after winning last season’s Supporters Shield and Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.

    And far, far away, to the south of the stadium, were the Galaxy’s people, the home team’s fans carrying an excess of pent up frustration, their proud history muffled by years of mediocrity that came to a head this season. Supporters groups boycotted home matches and called for the firing of president Chris Klein, their wish granted finally on May 30, since when the Galaxy are 2-0-4 in MLS competition.

    It wasn’t easy for those supporters to skip those matches at Dignity Health Sports Park, the 27,000-set soccer-specific venue in Carson where the Galaxy normally play. Earlier this season, some of them teared up earlier talking about the decision to deprive themselves of the thing they love so much – because they loved it so darn much.

    Tuesday’s immense, intense holiday crowd — the grudge match initially was scheduled as the season-opener on Feb. 25 before being rained out — poured into the stadium early, both fan bases’ singing and drumming loud enough to penetrate the enclosed press box an hour before kickoff.

    And when Galaxy midfielder Tyler Boyd – the Kiwi-American who grew up in Santa Ynez rooting for the Galaxy – connected on turnaround boot to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute, that press box rocked.

    It was the men and women in black’s turn when LAFC’s Illie Sanchez tied the match in the 57th minute. A recently naturalized U.S. citizen, his pinpoint header came with fireworks popping off in the vicinity and the sky glittering above.

    Boyd found Riqui Puig racing up the middle for the deciding goal in the 73rd minute and goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann stifled a couple last-gasp LAFC attempts to lift the Galaxy to another dramatic victory over LAFC, their second in three matches this season – which improves their record to 9-6-5 against LAFC all time.

    Riqui Puig gets his goal and gives LA Galaxy the 2-1 lead over LAFC and the Rosebowl erupts!#LAGalaxy #LAFC #ElTrafico pic.twitter.com/FyZo69MB79

    — Gio Garcia (@GioGarciaLA) July 5, 2023

    You can bet the winning team’s devotees let LAFC’s fans hear about it.

    “That’s how soccer is worldwide,” said Jonathan Padilla, Hector’s younger brother, for whom it was watching Carlos Vela that made him fall in love with LAFC. “If you grow up playing, there’s something about soccer that whatever happens, it’s a bragging rights.”

    So while Hernandez counts some LAFC fans among his acquaintances, “I wouldn’t call them friends.”

    That’s why you saw tweets like this one from ahead of kickoff: “To all our Galaxy family going today: have fun. Support like hell. Be safe. And please remember, it’s only a game. Just a game. It’s not worth going to jail or a hospital. G’z up!”

    To all our Galaxy family going today: have fun. Support like hell. Be safe. And please remember, it’s only a game. Just a game. It’s not worth going to jail or a hospital. G’z up!

    — LAisOurHouse (@LAisOurHouse) July 4, 2023

    Show me if you ever spot similar plea before a Lakers-Clippers, Dodgers-Angels or USC-UCLA game.

    Show me someone who would’ve thought, back in 1999, a scene like Tuesday’s was coming. There was a game that season – when the Galaxy averaged just more than 17,000 fans in the cavernous confines of the Rose Bowl – that the team drew an announced crowd of 7,581.

    Fast forward a couple decades and the Rose Bowl was the epicenter of a soccer city that now supports three pro teams, with Angel City, the National Women’s Soccer League team, averaging nearly 19,000 fans per game in its second season.

    A city that was treated Tuesday to a pulsating piece of athletic theater, as promised.

    Related Articles

    Soccer |


    Riqui Puig leads Galaxy to win over LAFC in front of MLS record crowd at Rose Bowl

    Soccer |


    LAFC’s summer transfer moves won’t be as splashy as 2022, but club remains flexible

    Soccer |


    Galaxy returns to Rose Bowl for ‘El Trafico’ match against LAFC

    Soccer |


    Jesus Ferreira makes USMNT history with back-to-back hat tricks in Gold Cup victory

    Soccer |


    Angel City and Gotham FC play to scoreless draw

    ​ Orange County Register 

    News
    CONTACT INFO
    3621 W. MacArthur Blvd
    Suite 107
    Santa Ana, CA 92704
    QUICK LINKS
    SERVICES
    CURRENT NEWS

    © 2024 Telepeer Cloud Business Communications. All Rights Reserved.

    Crafted with Love: DigiCorns