LAFC sees intense rivalry as a golden opportunity
Since they first met in 2018, the intensity of the rivalry between the Los Angeles Football Club and the Galaxy has been undeniable from up close and afar.
Defender Ryan Hollingshead hasn't played in any of the clubs' 13 encounters, but as far as he is concerned, in terms of MLS rivalries, “I don't think there's anything like it.”
From Dallas, where he played eight years before being acquired by LAFC in an offseason trade, Hollingshead was like other players in the league who stopped to pay attention when it was time for the L.A. derby.
“This is hands down the most respected derby in the league,” he said. “You don't know the full extent of what it means to the city until you're here talking to the supporters, talking to the club and organization, but you can feel the passion in the games even watching them from across the country.”
For Kellyn Acosta, Ilie Sanchez, Max Crepeau and other LAFC newcomers, the weekend showdown has been front of mind since they signed to play in Black & Gold.
“It's massive for our organization,” Crepeau said following his team's 4-2 win in Orlando last week that kept them atop the league with a 4-0-1 record and 13 points.
“These two stadiums are so close. Rivals ever since Day 1 of the first game between
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the two organizations. So the fan base is looking forward to it. We are looking forward to it. As players, we all know there's a little bit of a spark in the air when kickoff starts.”
The Galaxy handed LAFC its first defeat in competition at their inaugural meeting, the stunning 4-3 comeback spearheaded by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in March 2018, and has bragging rights thanks to a 5-2-5 regular-season record. LAFC won the lone playoff contest between the two.
During the past four years under head coach Bob Bradley, LAFC failed to win in Carson, losing four and tying two.
“We want to change that and we feel like we have the squad this year to do so,” Hollingshead said.
After five unbeaten matches to open the 2022 season, Steve Cherundolo views his first derby match as head coach as “important for the club to be successful — so it's an opportunity. And I think that's what we should focus on. Focus on the feeling of winning the game there and how you will feel after that — those are emotions and pictures I would like my players to have in their heads.
“Having players who haven't been part of it in the past can be good. It can also hurt you.”
As for the spectacle, pressure and emotional reaction to the moment relative to doing what's necessary in training and the game to accomplish their mission, experience taught him “it's about being able to speak about both at the right times during the week” to get the team where he wants it before stepping on the pitch against the Galaxy.
For players experienced in the rivalry, said Uruguayan midfielder Pancho Ginella, the anticipation for “El Trafico” is a mix of adrenaline and anxiety.
“On an emotional level, this has a potential to set us up for success and give us a strong internal atmosphere as well,” Ginella said.
The Galaxy (3-2-0, 9 points) leads the league in shots taken and appeared improved defensively from last year's porous squad, giving up the fourth-fewest shots on target in MLS so far.
Today's contest is expected to feature LAFC captain Carlos Vela playing against close friend and fellow Mexican star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who last shared the field during the Round of 16 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Each has tallied four goals in five matches this season, with Vela adding two assists.
“Hopefully both perform at a very high level, but Carlos has a little more than Chicharito,” Cherundolo said. “That is my wish. But there are also 20 other players on the field with a lot of quality and that is what the game will be decided on, not just two.”