The final regular season edition of El Trafico will go a long way towards deciding the destinies of two west coast rivals as the LA Galaxy host LAFC in Carson on Saturday.
This storied Los Angeles rivalry has a short but explosive history, with the two sides producing thriller after thriller that sees bragging rights change hands regularly. LAFC has emerged victorious in the two matchups this season, winning their home game and the neutral Rose Bowl matchup both by a 2-1 score to even the rivalry split to nine wins each.
However, there’s more than just bragging rights on the line this time. The LA Galaxy lead the Western Conference by four points over LAFC, but the latter holds two games in hand, meaning they control their own destiny in the title race. Inter Miami are well out in front for the Supporters’ Shield, but can still theoretically be caught as well.
Neither side comes into this matchup in great form, as both clubs have secured just one win from their three league matches since the Leagues Cup break concluded.
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC live stream, TV channel
This MLS rivalry match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC will be available to watch exclusively on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV, designated for viewing to subscribers only.
With the home stretch in view, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is now offering its lowest price of the season. Fans can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 to catch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season and playoffs.
What time is LA Galaxy vs. LAFC kickoff?
This MLS regular season match kicks off from Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. local time in Carson, CA.
Here’s how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Sep. 14 | 10:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Sep. 14 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Sep. 14 | 8:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Sep. 14 | 7:30 p.m. |
MORE: Find out which games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV each week
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC lineups & team news
Star striker Joseph Paintsil couldn’t have timed his yellow card accumulation ban worse, as he’ll be suspended for El Trafico after being booked in the 93rd minute last weekend against St. Louis City, meaning Dejan Joveljic will have to deputize up front.
Julian Aude and Carlos Garces are both dealing with short-term muscle injuries, but otherwise the LA Galaxy squad is fully fit and available for selection.
LA Galaxy projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): McCarthy (GK) — Yamane, Neal, Yoshida, Nelson — Delgado, Brugman — Pec, Puig, Fagundez — Joveljic.
Forward Denis Bouanga has returned from international duty and should slot in up front, although head coach Steve Cherundolo will have to make a tough call on his fitness after he played the full 90 minutes in both of Gabon’s AFCON qualifiers.
Mateus Bogusz also returns from having made his international debut for Poland, giving LAFC its two missing pieces back from the three-headed attacking monster, alongside Olivier Giroud.
Defenders Jesus Murillo and Lorenzo Dellavalle are both missing thanks to a pair of knee injuries, but otherwise Cherundolo has his full squad to pick from.
LAFC projected starting lineup (4-4-2 diamond): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Segura, Long, Hollingshead — Sanchez — T. Tillman, Atuesta — Bogusz— Bouanga, Giroud.
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC prediction, betting odds & lines
- Score prediction: LA Galaxy 1-2 LAFC
LAFC have been dominant in this series over the past few years, winning each of the last three meetings and six of the last eight. The LA Galaxy are better than they’ve been in recent seasons, but it hasn’t helped thus far.
With the hosts missing Joseph Paintsil, their best goal threat, to suspension, Dejan Joveljic will have to step in. LAFC should manage to see this game out, even if on the road, and take a commanding position in the Western Conference title race.
| BetMGM (USA) |
|
| LA Galaxy win | +140 |
| Draw | +275 |
| LAFC win | +150 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -250 N: +165 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals |
O: +105 U: -150 |
| LA Galaxy -0.5 goals |
+135 |
| LAFC +0.5 goals |
-190 |