LAFC vs. LA Galaxy
Saturday, April 6 at 4:30pm PT
Location: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
TV: Apple TV – Free on MLS Season Pass, FOX, FOX Deportes
After a 3-2 defeat to the Colorado Rapids last Saturday, LAFC next takes on its crosstown rival in a Western Conference showdown on Saturday, April 6 at BMO Stadium.
Last Saturday, Eduard Atuesta opened the scoring against Colorado with his second goal in two games, while Venezuela international David Martínez scored his first-ever goal for the Black & Gold. Colorado’s Đorđe Mihailović proved to be the difference maker, assisting on the Rapids’ first goal and adding two goals of his own in the final 10 minutes to seal a come-from-behind win.
The loss dropped LAFC into ninth place in the Western Conference (based on Supporters’ Shield tiebreakers), with seven points through six matches played.
LAFC and the Galaxy will square off for the first time in 2024, continuing a rivalry that has featured Zlatan Ibrahimović spoiling LAFC’s first-ever match in Carson and the Black & Gold sending the Galaxy home twice (2019 & 2022) from the MLS Cup Playoffs.
LAFC is 7W-9L-5D against the Galaxy across all competitions, and has taken four (4W-2L-0D) of the last six matchups.
Galaxy in-depth
Led by head coach Greg Vanney, the new-look Galaxy are poised to make a strong run in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season.
The Galaxy has started this season with a record of 3W-0L-3D and is currently first in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings, having scored 13 goals in six matches.
Among the players the Galaxy added this offseason is former LAFC goalkeeper, and 2022 MLS Cup MVP, John McCarthy, who spent two seasons with the Black & Gold before signing with the Galaxy as a free agent over the summer.
The Galaxy also acquired Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec from Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Vasco de Gama, and Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil from KRC Genk of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
The Black & Gold Will Win If:
The team can play to the potential it displayed in its last home game against Nashville. The loss in Colorado may prove to be a minor setback, as LAFC has scored seven goals in its last two matches after a three-game scoring drought. With the Black & Gold potentially finding its scoring rhythm, the squad will need to control possession early, while limiting opportunities in its own final third.
The Galaxy Can Win If:
The visitors can take advantage of an LAFC club still looking to find consistent form. Forward Dejan Joveljic, who leads the Carson outfit with five goals in six games, is no stranger to these matchups, having scored four goals against LAFC. Midfielder Riqui Puig will also look to find a way through the LAFC back line in hopes of leading his team out of BMO Stadium undefeated and in control of the West.
