LAFC hosted the first postseason El Trafico in MLS history. And it did not disappoint. Here are three things we learned from their 5-3 win over the LA Galaxy.
In a night of incredible drama at the Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles FC claimed their first-ever El Trafico win, beating the Los Angeles Galaxy 5-3. It was a game which really did have it all: goals from all the big guns, VAR controversy, comebacks and an incredible atmosphere.
Carlos Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were superb, Cristian Pavon, Diego Rossi all produced terrific moments, and it all came in the backdrop of one of the greatest stadiums in the league.
In the end, LAFC won 5-3 in a terrific match. As a result, they have reached the Western Conference final for the first time in their history. But what did we learn from Thursday’s breathtaking clash?
3. Vela crowns LAFC as El Trafico Kings
LAFC have beaten the LA Galaxy! After a succession of heartbreaks and surrendered leads, LAFC have finally broken their El Trafico duck. And who was at the centre of it all for the Black and Gold? Carlos Vela, of course.
We don’t need to sit here and tell you how good the Mexican is. He has smashed record after record in 2019 and put together the best individual season in MLS history. He has also scored three times against the LA Galaxy prior to Thursday night. But for one reason or another, Bob Bradley’s men just haven’t been able to get over the line.
Not this time, though. On Thursday, Vela did everything: he bagged two goals, set up a third, hit the post and played three key passes as LAFC grabbed a dramatic, landmark 5-3 win over their fiercest rivals. LAFC’s MVP hasn’t let up all season and after finally overcoming their biggest hurdle, we find ourselves asking the question: who the hell can stop them now?