By Josue Lopez
“El Tráfico”, one of the youngest but biggest rivalries in Major League Soccer had a new contest at BMO Stadium. Unlike previous occasions, neither LAFC nor Ls Angeles Galaxy stepped to the field at its best moment. No more Zlatan vs. Vela, or the Mexican battle between the same Vala and “Chicharito” (which would be a great scenario for today’s game taking place on Mexican Independence game). The Southern California teams currently have more questions than answers, and Denis Bouanga and Riqui Puig are their best assets.
The Black and Gold scored first through an assist from Diego Palacios and a header from Denis Bouanga in the 24th minute. Seconds later, newcomer Diego Fagundez made an outstanding assist to Billy Sharp to tie the game.
With the front three attackers being Denis Bouanga, Cristian Olivera, and Carlos Vela, there was note clear “9” referee. With Vela mobbing with freedom, he assisted Rayan Hollingshead who left-footed the ball at the 33rd minute.
The second half brought interesting substitutions on both sides; Dejan Jolelvic came in the 71st minute seeking to score coming from the bench as usual. Mario Gonzalez did the same six minutes later replacing Carlos Vela and looking for his first goal. Timothy Tilman brought a different dynamic to the Black and Gold midfield and a heal. The third one was done once again by Denis Bouanga after an atrocious mistake by Galaxy’s own Chris Mavinga. Gonzale and Tillman created the fourth and definitive goal for LAFC. Thus, the twenty-first edition of “El Trafico” finished 4-2 in favor of the home team.
LAFC, who will travel to St. Louis to place first pace of the Western Conference, jumps to the second spot behind their next opponent. The five-time MLS Cup winner visits Allianz Field to face Minnesota United.
