LAFC Vs LA Galaxy: 3 things to watch for – Chicharito’s first El Trafico

LAFC, MLS, LA Galaxy (Photo by Kyusung Gong/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAFC, MLS, LA Galaxy (Photo by Kyusung Gong/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
2 of 3
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Diego Rossi #9 of Los Angeles FC celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with teammate Brian Rodriguez #17 during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Diego Rossi #9 of Los Angeles FC celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with teammate Brian Rodriguez #17 during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

2. Rossi, Rodriguez’s time to shine

LAFC’s comeback against the Houston Dynamo was led by Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez. The two Uruguayan forwards scored in the second half and were the primary offensive options for Bob Bradley’s team in the latter stages.

More from MLS Multiplex

Entering this Los Angeles derby, Rossi and Rodriguez have the opportunity to write their own chapter in the history book. The pair are both capable of leading LAFC to all three points against the Galaxy. With a good performance, they will go down in folklore.

In LAFC’s playoff victory against the Galaxy in October, Rossi scored once and provided two assists. Rodriguez also contributed an assist in the club’s first win against their rivals. Up until that match, neither player had ever recorded a goal or an assist in the derby.

Meanwhile, for the Galaxy, the entire gameplan starts and ends with containing these two brilliant wingers. Stopping their effectiveness is key, especially as they like to cut inside and take shots on goal. Rossi and Rodriguez are on the radar of European clubs. If there is one match where they can stand out in the tournament, it is this one. The Galaxy will do well to stop them.