LAFC bags the debut against crosstown rivals LA Galaxy in a 3-2 close match

LAFC vs LA Galaxy: Arguably the best rivalry in Major League Soccer, was hosted Friday night

on July 8th, 2022 at the Banc of California Stadium with Gareth Bale in attendance after arriving earlier in the day to watch his new team play. Bale, who was introduced to the fans before the match and will be officially introduced to Media on Monday, was signed on a free transfer from Los Blancos (Real Madrid).

The Welsh joined his teammates later in celebrating victory against the teams rivals.

Both Coach Cherundolo and Kellyn responded in the press conference about the adding of Gareth Bale to the roster with Coach Cherundolo saying,“We will get Gareth in ASAP and use him”, and Kellyn adding that he is excited for him to be a part of the squad.

Another big name player that didn't get to play was Giorgio Chiellini, he was however seen warming up with his teammates and participated in the LA victory song with Gareth Bale.

Captains, Chicharito Hernandez (LA Galaxy) and Carlos Vela (LAFC) lead their team strong the first half, by causing chaos for their opponents defense. However, it wasn’t until a corner kick in the 17th minute in favor for LAFC, that was taken by Kellyn Acosta who managed to place it perfectly to his open teammate, Jose Cifuentes floating free in the middle, and unmarked by any LA Galaxy player, headed the ball sent in to the back of the net. Giving LAFC the advantage of leading El Trafico 1-0. LA Galaxy, Dejan Joveljic added a lot of high pressure in the 1st half to the Galaxy attack but came short on a few shots that went slightly wide from the goal.

After a back-and-forth 1st half, LA Galaxy managed to wake up in the 55th minute, when Samuel Grandsir finished one to the back of the net after an impressive team build up that ended up in an assist from Rayan Raveloson.

That momentum didn’t last long when Captain, Carlos Vela took a shot outside of the box, and Cifuentes directed it to the other side of the goal, giving no chance for the goalkeeper to make the save. Resulting to a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute for LAFC.

Moments after, in the 79th minute, LAFC managed to secure another goal from Colombiano, Cristian Arango, assisted by no one other than, Carlos Vela (3-1 LAFC). 2 minutes later, LA Galaxy responded, when Victor Vazquez sent a cross into the box, where Rayan Raveloson beat 2 LAFC defenders in the air and found the back of the net (3-2 LAFC).

Coach Cherundolo of LAFC addressed to the media at the end of the game, that “Every game has their own story. The game got out of control in the 2nd half…. I’m happy with our defensive performance”.

The match ended with a final score of 3-2 LAFC. The fan rivalry was at a boiling point with more than just bragging rights as LAFC has remained leaders in the Western Conference. Carlos Vela, the Mexico national player managed to do a great job as a captain, leading his team with 2 assists on the pitch against their fierce rivals.

LAFC will be facing Nashville on July 17th away.

LA GALAXY will host San Jose on Wednesday July 13th, 7pm at the Dignity Health Sports Park