The 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target is in the books, meaning it's time to get back into the Heineken Rivalry Week derby swing this weekend. And another El Trafico is on tap, as LAFC and the LA Galaxy meet in a massive bout at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday (7 pm ET | FOX, FOX Deportes).
It might still be in its relative infancy, but El Trafico has already provided us with some memorable moments, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring one of the greatest goals in MLS history.
The second episode of the Bleacher Report and Wells Fargo series “Heart of the Game” went live on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's matchup, with the episode featuring interviews with Jordan Harvey (LAFC) and Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy). The defenders gave their perspective on what makes these rivalry games such special matchups.
"From the first moment we stepped on the field and we had this LA rivalry, it was electric," Harvey said. "It was just the craziest thing I've ever been a part of. I can't pinpoint any game that has this much energy, this much anticipation and fire from the players that feed off the fans. You feel like the whole league is looking at this LA rivalry."
Added Araujo: "They're the games I've always dreamed of playing in and prepared myself to play in. I really can't explain the feeling that it is when I play against them, but it's a feeling that I love to wake up to."
Watch the full episode above, including a tribute to Mauricio Fascio, vice president of LAFC's Independent Supporters Union, the 3252, who passed away from COVID-19 in March 2021.
