The LA Galaxy and LAFC are all set to renew their rivalry this week in a Major League Soccer match at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Galaxy climbed to second place in the Western Conference after winning six of their last seven league games with 40 points, trailing rivals LAFC only on goal difference. Greg Vanney's side are fresh off a 3-0 win over rivals San Jose Earthquakes last weekend, with Dejan Joveljic and Joseph Paintsil scoring as Riqui Puig returned from the bench from a groin injury.
Like the Gs, LAFC have also enjoyed a lot of recent success as they have started an 11 game unbeaten run that includes 10 wins and one draw in all competitions. The Black and Gold won 3-0 against the Colorado Rapids, while the 2022 MLS Cup champions last lost a match on May 4 vs San Jose – a surprise to say the least.
Here it is 90 minpreview of El Trafic on July 3.
Current form (all competitions)
|
LA Galaxy |
LAFC |
|---|---|
|
San Jose Earthquakes 0-3 LA Galaxy – 29/06/2024 |
LAFC 3-0 Colorado Rapids – 29/06/2024 |
|
Real Salt Lake 0-1 LA Galaxy – 22/06/2024 |
LAFC 6-2 San Jose Earthquakes – 22/06/2024 |
|
LA Galaxy 2-0 NYCFC – 19/06/2024 |
Austin FC 1-1 LAFC – 19/06/2024 |
|
LA Galaxy 4-2 Sporting Kansas City – 15/06/2024 |
Orlando City 1-3 LAFC – 15/06/2024 |
|
Chicago Fire 2-1 LA Galaxy – 01/06/2024 |
LAFC 1-0 FC Dallas – 01/06/2024 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
|
United States |
Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
|
Canada |
Apple TV + |
The only injury concern in Galaxy camp heading into the tournament is veteran midfielder Gaston Brugman. The 31-year-old is still recovering from his knee but should be back in action in the next few weeks.
LA Galaxy predicted to face LAFC (4-3-3): McCarthy; Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Aude; Delgado, Puig, Cerrillo; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil.
Cristian Olivera is not available for selection as he is with Uruguay in Copa America 2024. La Celeste defeated the USMNT 1-0 in the last group game in Group C, so LAFC will not see Olivera in the BMO Stadium for at least another week.
Lorenzo Dellavalle will miss the tournament with a knee injury, and is expected to return in the next few weeks.
The versatile Mateusz Bogusz is coming off a hat trick in the team's victory over Colorado, bringing the 2024 goals to 12.
LAFC predicted to face LA Galaxy (4-3-3): Lloris; Palencia, Murillo, Chanot, Hollingshead; Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta; Bogusz, Kamara, Bouanga.
Not much separates these two southern California clubs, and their positions in the Western Conference standings reflect that. Both teams have plenty of firepower up front and in the middle of the park while boasting decent defence.
It would be close to a late game-winning goal, but the Galaxy will seek revenge against LAFC after falling in the first meeting in April.
Prediction: LA Galaxy 3-2 LAFC
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