LAFC at LA Galaxy
Saturday, April 9, 2022
4:30 p.m. PT
Dignity Health Sports Park - Carson, CA
TV: FOX, FOX Deportes
RADIO: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), KFWB 980 AM
LAFC is looking to remain undefeated in 2022 on Saturday when they compete in the first match-up of 2022 with their city rivals, the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy comes into the match 3-2-0 (9 points), coming off a big 3-1 win against the Portland Timbers last weekend.
In just five years, this matchup has already grown into an intense rivalry – and the Galaxy will look to use their home field advantage once again, as LAFC continues to search for its first victory at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Off to an undefeated start through five games for the third time in five years, the Black & Gold defense has been stingy so far in 2022, allowing just four goals so far and ranking second in the league in expected goals against per 90 minutes.
They might be rivals, but this match does include familiar faces on both sides. This will be the first time Mexican National Team stars Carlos Vela and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez square off in an MLS match, but the two did play against each other in two UEFA Champions League games in 2013. The last time the two shared a field as opponents was on Nov. 5, 2013 in the second leg of the group stage. Vela played 90 minutes for Spain’s Real Sociedad and Hernandez went 62 minutes in the 0-0 draw, that saw Chicharito’s Manchester United advance on aggregate (1-0), thanks to an early own goal on Oct. 23, 2013 at Old Trafford. Vela also played 90 minutes in that one, while Hernandez was subbed off after 79 minutes. The Galaxy also feature former LAFC defender Raheem Edwards, who appeared in 27 games in 2021 for the Black & Gold and joined the Galaxy in the off-season as a free agent.
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GALAXY IN-DEPTH
The Galaxy has some of the best threats in MLS in players such as Chicharito, and newly acquired Mark Delgado and Douglas Costa. They are an aggressive team that loves controlling the possession of the game. Former LAFC defender Raheem Edwards has had success this season so far, leading MLS in assists and compiling a team-high eight possessions won against Orlando City in their loss on March 19. The Galaxy will look to balance the pace of the game with their ratcheted-up intensity that an electric atmosphere always produces. As the action gets heated on the field and loud in the stands, strategies will be thrown out the window and this will become a true battle of Los Angeles, the best against the best. The Galaxy have continued to increase their threats, acquiring over eight players in the offseason ahead of the 2022 MLS campaign.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
Continue to play the game the Black & Gold way – limiting mistakes and impose their control of the game. LAFC heads into this one playing with a ton of confidence, and will also be focused on attacking all weaknesses of the opponent.
GALAXY CAN WIN IF
They get high intensity and precise performances from their key players, which gives them leverage in their offensive buildup. Galaxy Designated Player Douglas Costa is a danger on the right wing. The experienced veteran has played at the highest levels of international football, and he can still have a huge impact on the match if LAFC does not produce enough pressure defense.
Inspired by The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild developed by Nintendo (2017).
