In the time since LAFC's first meeting with the Galaxy, the Black & Gold have amassed 35 points this season - on pace to break the all-time record for an expansion team in its inaugural season. The Club's 42 goals scored are second only to Atlanta United in all of MLS. And LAFC sit second in the Western Conference standings.
But Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium, fans will have their minds focused on one thing, and one thing only: the rematch.
Here's a look at LAFC first home match against the Galaxy:
Where To Watch/Listen
LAFC vs Galaxy, July 26 at 7:30 pm PT
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
The Galaxy arrive at Banc of California Stadium in the best form of their 2018 season. They defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-1 on the road last Saturday to extend their streak of wins to three and their unbeaten streak to seven matches. That run has them up to fourth in the Western Conference with 31 points.
What The Players Are Saying
Carlos Vela on what's change since the first time LAFC played the Galaxy: "The first game was a long time ago. I think both teams have improved. We are a better team. When played the first game, we were a new team, building systems and a form of play. I think now, we are a really good team. We know how we want to play. We are ready. We are ready to fight, to play the game, and I hope we can win."
Benny Feilhaber on the rematch: "It's a different game. The first result, I don't think matters much. I think, other than us trying to get our three points back that they took from us in that first game, I don't think there's too much to take from in that first game compared to what you're going to see in this game."
Tyler Miller on Galaxy fans trying to buy tickets in the North End: "I wish them luck if they get into the North End, because they are going to need it."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Walker Zimmerman, Laurent Ciman, Steven Beitashour; Benny Feilhaber, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Lee Nguyen; Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande, Carlos Vela.
What To Watch For
The Atmosphere At The Banc: If the volume coming from the away section at StubHub Center during LAFC's first match with the Galaxy is any indication, Banc of California Stadium is going to be deafening. The LAFC Supporters had this match circled on their calendars the day the MLS schedule was released. And after the way things ended in the first match between these two, the spectacle in the stands alone will be worth the price of admission. Thursday night, the Banc will be the place to be in LA.
Two Very Different Sides: It's been four months since these two sides first met. A lot has changed in that time, both on and off the field. The two teams that clashed back in late March have evolved, and in LAFC's case, players like Adama Diomande, Lee Nguyen, and André Horta weren't yet with the team. Past results aren't the best predictor of rivalry matches anyways, but in this case, expect the match to have a very different aesthetic to it this time around.
Vela vs Zlatan: They're the two marquee names in the matchup, and they'll be the focus here once more. Last time, Carlos Vela lit the fuse with two goals in the match's first 26 minutes, before Zlatan Ibrahimović blew things up with a late double. Ibrahimović enters the match with 12 goals and four assists in 15 matches. Vela, who missed a chunk of the season while on World Cup duty with Mexico, has seven goals and five assists in 14 matches.
