CARSON, Calif. – El Tráfico always delivers.
That was especially true Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park, where the LA Galaxy completed a historic second-half comeback to stun rivals LAFC, winning 4-2 and clinching an Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs spot.
Western Conference destiny is firmly in the Galaxy’s hands, after the 24th edition of Los Angeles’ heated derby conjured memories of the Zlatan Ibramiovic-led four-goal comeback in the inaugural El Tráfico.
"In my nearly four years here, this is one of the proudest moments, if not the proudest moment I've had with this group, this team, here at the LA Galaxy," head coach Greg Vanney said post-game.
"Just the response on such a big night, it was the confidence they showed and the personality they showed in the second half. As a coach, it was fun to watch as much as it was to be a part of it."
Statement made
Despite Denis Bouanga sparking a 2-0 lead for LAFC within 15 minutes of kickoff, LA bucked a season-long trend after the halftime break. Dejan Joveljić bagged a brace alongside Edwin Cerrillo and Riqui Puig golazos, handing the Black & Gold their first loss of the season after leading at halftime.
"We are soccer players to play these types of games," Puig said. "I was all week waiting for this day.
" …. It's the different games that you have in your career that you want to play because it's exciting and the people are looking at these games. I think that it's about doing a good performance because you can see where is the level of the team, and also of my level."
In front of a sell-out crowd, LA showed their quality and character to avoid a season sweep against LAFC. Steve Cherundolo’s side won the year’s first two El Tráficos, 2-1.
"I think what we saw tonight for us, and the message in there was, the win tonight shows exactly why it's so important to win the West and be able to play this game or this type of game in the playoffs, in this building," said Vanney.
"Now our eyes are really set on; we control our destiny and trying to win the West, which again positions us in the playoffs and what I believe is the best possible scenario, which is playing in here in our building, which we've done really well with over the course of this year."
Aiming big
With the win, Galaxy are seven points above LAFC and atop the West with two more games played. They remain unbeaten in their home stadium this campaign.
"We know that in the playoffs anything can happen, especially in this league," said Cerrillo. "We want to make sure that we have our playoffs here [at Dignity Health Sports Park] because our fans give us the energy."
Taking it one step further, Puig looked towards potentially a historic sixth MLS Cup title for Galaxy.
"To beat LAFC today, I think it's really important because we see the level that we are at LA Galaxy," said Puig. "For sure to win this MLS, it's really important for us."
