Written By: Wendy Pintor
Rose Bowl, Los Angeles – LA Galaxy squared off against LAFC in the 20th edition across all competitions of El Tráfico in a home match at the Rose Bowl Stadium, tonight on America’s Independence Day, the match broke an all-time MLS attendance record with 82,110 fans.
The final score was 2-1 and with a last-minute VAR check with the goal that could have tied up the game by the captain of LAFC, Carlos Vela in the 83’ minute of the match. Fans from both sides were loud and proud but LA Galaxy came stronger than ever and gave the fans the deserving win they had been looking for.
The score in the first half was a 1-0 goal in the 26th minute by midfielder Tyler Boyd who got another goal in an El traffic classico and two caps against a rival local team in one year. Then opening up the game for LAFC Midfielder Ilie Sanchez scored off a corner kick, with a flick back to the near post tying the game, 1-1, in his first 4th of July as an American citizen with a goal.
“I don’t know. I said it before. I like the big games, but it just happens to come against LAFC every time so it’s just a blessing. I always say it. All the glory to Jesus Christ. He’s my savior and I play for him. I give him all the glory and I dedicate that goal to obviously the fans that travel, but also to my parents who traveled. They traveled from New Zealand to be here at the game. So yeah, a very special moment. Amazing performance from the team. They don’t pass me the ball, I can’t score. So we fought like heck today as a team and I’m super proud of the group.” said Midfielder Tyler Boyd.
Although LA Galaxy does have some players missing due to playing for their national teams, both defenders, Jalen Neal, And Eric Zavaleta, and a few-injured including Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, the Galaxy were able to respond by attacking up front and being able to adapt to tonight’s changes with old but familiar faces defending.
“For sure! We’ve been, like I said, over this stretch of five games coming into this one, we’ve been so close to getting the three points. On a couple of occasions, at least, where you put those in the bank. You build a little bit of confidence. You build a little bit of resiliency through that stretch. Tonight, we got all of that in one match. Because of the environment. The magnitude of the game. The feeling of the game. The joy that’s in the group. Sometimes you forget about some of the struggles that were earlier in the season. And I felt like even though we’re been solid through this little stretch, you still feel the tension of the earlier part of the season. So, my hope is that the joy tonight that they feel in the locker room and for each other, our effort and for our fans, this can be that thing that puts you on another level of confidence and belief and you can start to build off of this even more. But I think it’s building off of the last five games that we should look back on. It’s not just tonight. It’s things that we’ve been able to accomplish on the road for this last stretch.”
LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney
Both teams are coming off bad games and although LAG has been improving since the last time they faced each other in regular play it was a stadium that built the ambiance for them, it being their former field since 96’ brought great memories for the staff and coaches. Even though some of these players now are too young to remember they loved every minute of it.
“The atmosphere was amazing, our fans came out and cheered the whole game. We heard them in the good and the bad. We want to thank the Galaxy because we came here and won and it was a spectacular match,” also added Midfielder Riqui Puig, who scored the winning goal.
The Spaniard contained by saying, ” I’m a player that likes to play these big games with a lot of pressure and a lot of fans in the stands and I think we showed today what we are capable of and I love that pressure and I’m very happy and happy for the team. We really needed these three points, we have won in five games but we also haven’t lost in five games but I think it was well deserved.”
Riqui Puig didn’t only score the winning goal he also assisted Tyler Boyd in his goal. Both players and the entire team were happy with their performance last night. It was a special night for America and for the players and their families.
“Yeah, it was special on the 4th of July. I’m half American so I’m kind of patriotic as well and just listening to that national anthem, with so many people singing… It was special to break the attendance record and to get a win. Just a magical night. Yeah, I’m really blessed to be here. I’m so happy to be back in America and yeah, it was a special occasion and everything happens for a reason. I guess that rain happened for a reason when we rescheduled and we’re able to break the attendance record and get the win, so magical night.”
LA Galaxy’s New Zealand-American winger Tyler Boyd
The July 4 match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC leads with the Galaxy leading the all-time series 9-6-5. Of El Traffico Classico, moving them up a few spots This improves LA in statistics but still leaves them unfortunately in 13th place in the bracket and with 20 points but with hope to move forward with this win over their hometown rival.
“It is a nice responsibility, I’ve done it before on other teams and I’m well prepared and I’m happy to take this opportunity and I’m thankful for the team.” We will use this win to get stronger and create more looks . “ concluded Galaxy Midfielder and captain Gaston Bergman
LA Galaxy goes back to the Sports Dignity Sports Park this Saturday, July 8, to face MLS runner-up Philadelphia Union, who happens to be in 5th place with 20 points also, with that LA has a huge advantage to win the 3pts after last night’s victory.
*Photos courtesy of Vidal Daniel Pintor*
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