October 25, 2019.

In El Trafico’s first ever postseason edition, LAFC defeated the LA Galaxy 5-3 at Banc of California Stadium to advance to the Western Conference Final. Thursday night’s contest was filled with intensity and emotion as both LA teams battled fiercely in a win-or-go-home situation.

Early in the first half, the LA Galaxy looked more comfortable on the pitch than the home side. Once the nerves dissipated, though, LAFC began venturing forward and keeping possession in their signature fashion. Carlos Vela struck twice in the first half to put the home side ahead 2-0 thanks to two cool finishes inside the box following dynamic team build ups.

Just when it looked like LAFC were destined to cruise to a comfortable victory, Cristian Pavón pulled a goal back for the Galaxy right before the break, merely a minute after Vela’s second goal in the 40’.

In the 55’ Zlatan Ibrahimovic leveled the score at 2-2 after capitalizing on a defensive error by the LAFC back line. Ibrahimovic intercepted a wayward back pass to goalkeeper Tyler Miller and rifled a shot at the near post. Miller got his hands on the shot, but he ended up spilling the ball in between his legs and into the net.

With the game up for grabs, it would be LAFC who snatched the lead thanks to two quick, successive goals by Rossi and Diomande in the 66’ and 68’. Vela dribbled and danced at the top of the box before slipping Rossi through on goal, who slotted the ball with his left foot into the far bottom corner of the net for the 3-2. In LAFC’s next attacking move, Rossi turned provider and set up Diomande with a perfect cross into the six-yard box. Diomande cashed in the free header from short distance to put LAFC up 4-2.

The LA Galaxy refused to quit, and substitute Rolf Feltscher pulled the LA Galaxy back within one in the 77’ with a flicked header off a set piece.

Diomande finally sealed the game at 5-3 with a powerful solo run and a gorgeous dinked finish over goalkeeper David Bingham in the 80’.

LAFC comfortably managed the remaining ten minutes, and earned their first ever victory against the LA Galaxy in arguably the most important El Trafico to date.

On Tuesday, LAFC will host the Seattle Sounders for a chance to play in their first ever MLS Cup Final.

-Pablo Bayona Sapag / Lorena Barros.