The first reincarnation of MLS’s LA Derby was everything we expected and then some. The story and hype behind this match fulfilled everything and appropriately ended like a fairy tale.
This is MLS’s new LA Derby. Chivas USA vs the LA Galaxy never had nor lived up to this kind of hype. The first one between the LA Galaxy and LAFC already shattered the old one. This very first one was truly remarkable.
Not only did it feature the MLS debut of Zlatan Ibrahimovic but it had a historic and rare comeback.
LAFC is MLS’ newest club who is here to break the status-quo and win right away. The Galaxy are United States soccer giants who are trying to get back to prominence. Somehow both of those story lines came to fruition on Saturday. Also, the game was on national television to add more drama to the story.
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Dubbed “El traffico” by many this LA Derby was filled with storylines that were fully met but was also just an outstanding soccer match.
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Los Angeles Football Club went up 3-0. Carlos Vela scored and it was going exactly how Bob Bradley wanted it too. But my goodness how things change in this beautiful game. They did in this one and quickly.
The Galaxy scored a goal in what felt like just a consolation prize. After scoring again, it became interesting.
The Galaxy faithful in attendance were screaming for Zlatan to sub into the game. It was too difficult to ignore. So, Sigi Schmid did not ignore.
The Swedish scorer, much like has done all over the world for a over a decade, just understood the moment and knew exactly what he had to do.
As if the supporters chanting for him to come in was not hype enough, Zlatan blessed soccer fans with what will probably be the best goal of the season.
Zlatan. On. Repeat. 🦁 #LAvLAFC pic.twitter.com/vY5KzyYnaW
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 31, 2018
I mean even in the suburbs of Hollywood you cannot make this stuff up. That goal tied the game and went viral. Both of which I expect nothing less from Zlatan.
As if the underdog team going out to an early three-goal lead was not enough, the Galaxy came back to tie it on the above goal. Just in case that did not feel storybook enough right when most thought the game would end in an anti-climatic draw, Zlatan welcomed himself into the league for good – by winning the game with a header in extra time.
Everything about the LA Derby feels scripted. Like some sort of Los Angeles director wrote it up and gave it to the squads. This not only allowed the match to meet expectations, but set really high ones for their rematch on July 26th.
Only Zlatan knows what he will do next. But this game sparked the birth of a new rivalry between two potentially elite clubs.
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What a game, that created so many great moments for Major League Soccer going forward.