LA Galaxy player makes LAFC claim before facing them

This Saturday marks the first El Tráfico derby of the 2024 Major League Soccer season between LA Galaxy and LAFC. LA Galaxy's Uruguayan midfielder, Diego Fagúndez, expressed his team's desire to prove that the city of Los Angeles still belongs to them.

"We want the city to remain ours. They keep talking all over Twitter, everywhere, they fight (on social media) and that's something very nice, but on the field, we have to control what we can. When we can score goals, we need to do it and try to come out happy from there with three points and know that we continue fighting and remain at the top," said Fagúndez in an interview with ESPN.

The Los Angeles rivalry began on March 31, 2018, the debut year of LAFC in MLS, in an epic first encounter that ended with a 4-3 victory for the Galaxy. Since then, they have faced each other 21 times across all competitions, including knockout matches. In head-to-head matchups, LA Galaxy leads with 9 wins, 5 draws, and 7 victories for the black-and-gold.

LA Galaxy has started the 2024 season in the best possible way as they remain unbeaten after six matches played and lead the Western Conference standings with 12 points.

LA Galaxy player makes LAFC claim before facing them

"Everyone knows that the Galaxy is a very big team in this league because of all the championships they have won, it's very nice that we're up there (in the table), but it's also a very long season, we have to keep working, trying to keep fighting every game, when there are opportunities to finish off teams, we have to do it, the important thing is the next match and then continue fighting," said the 29-year-old midfielder.

Fagúndez joined LA Galaxy as a reinforcement midway through the previous campaign from Austin FC. The Uruguayan midfielder has been forged in the North American league since his signing with the New England Revolution in 2011 at just 16 years old, being a young player developed at home (Homegrown Player).

With over a decade of MLS experience, Diego is one goal away from entering the 70-70 club, meaning players with at least 70 goals and 70 assists, something that only ten other players have achieved in the league.

"Of all the things I've been able to accomplish here in MLS, it's very nice, I'm one goal away, I'm looking for opportunities and the ball doesn't want to go in, but hopefully on Saturday if I have the chance to score, it would be very nice. My whole family and I are looking for that goal, but when it comes, it will come. The most important thing now is for the team to keep winning and stay on top," shared Diego, who currently has 69 goals and 73 assists in 364 MLS matches.

This Saturday, LA Galaxy will visit BMO Stadium seeking to maintain their unbeaten streak in another edition of El Tráfico.

"It's a very important match for us, for the fans, for the city. We are ready for the match, we know it will be a very difficult match, but like everything, we have to continue playing in the best way," concluded Fagúndez from LA Galaxy's training grounds.