Independence Day in America is not typically associated with a domestic soccer match. However, in the summer of 2024, soccer takes center stage. Amid the fervor of the European Championships and Copa América, a unique club rivalry continues to unfold: LAFC vs. L.A. Galaxy, a rare spectacle on the 4th of July.
LAFC advanced into first place in the Western Conference after defeating L.A. Galaxy 2-1 on July 4 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The win extends the black and gold’s 12-game win streak. Sierra Leonian center forward Kei Kamara and French Gabonese striker Denis Bouanga struck back-to-back goals before the first-half whistle. The latter pummeled a penalty kick past former teammate John McCarthy for his 14th goal of the year.
Cultural significance of El Trafico evident in attendance
The Rose Bowl expected a turnout similar to last year’s showdown between the two teams. El Trafico set the most extensive attendance record for a Major League Soccer match: 82,110. In 2024, the fixture fell short of that total.
On the holiday this Thursday, 70,076 fans came to the Rose Bowl to watch the two Los Angeles MLS teams play one another. Although short of the record by a fair margin, this is a strong turnout for an MLS game. For example, it is the second-highest attendance in MLS this season. Only the Inter Miami game against Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium pulled more supporters. Earlier in the season, 72,610 fans watched that game from an NFL stadium.
Our Pick:
Includes: Every regular season game, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup, & More
Sign Up
From archrivalry to pseudo-respect: soccer unites Los Angeles
Since LAFC’s inception, this is only the second time the two archrivals have met at the Rose Bowl on Independence Day. Like many derbies, fanatics from one team jeer and deride the other with chants and slogans geared toward insults. LAFC fanatics accuse L.A. Galaxy’s fervent patronage of not being true Angelenos…
Author : Ardalan Pourvali
Publish date : 2024-07-05 23:05:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
—-
Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-07-05 23:11:01
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.