LA Galaxy star Marco Reus makes LAFC claim before El Trafico

The LA Galaxy and LAFC will face off for the third time in the 2024 MLS season on September 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park. This match will be the 24th encounter between the two teams across all competitions and has quickly become one of the league's most intense rivalries in a short time.

Both teams are competing for the top spot in the Western Conference to secure home-field advantage for the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs. Currently, Los Angeles Galaxy is in first place with 52 points, while LAFC is in second place with 47 points but has three games in hand due to their run to the 2024 Leagues Cup final. This will be Marco Reus' first experience with ‘El Trafico’, and the German has shared his thoughts on this rivalry:

"We need to stay focused. Many guys have talked about the derby, and I understand rivalries from my time in Germany. As I said, if we stick to our offensive and defensive plans, I’m not worried about the next game or the games after. We need to make sure everyone is giving their all for the team, and we will win again."

The 35-year-old player knows what it’s like to play in these kinds of matches and understands the importance of securing three points for the Galaxy after their recent loss to St. Louis City SC. This season, LAFC has already defeated LA Galaxy twice: the first match was on April 6 at BMO Stadium, where LAFC won 2-1, and the second encounter saw LA Galaxy lose by the same scoreline at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 4.

LA Galaxy star Marco Reus makes LAFC claim before El Trafico

Therefore, the outcome of the next ‘El Trafico’ could determine who takes the top spot in the West as the playoffs approach. Additionally, Marco Reus spoke about his adjustment to MLS and what LA Galaxy needs to improve to avoid losing more points with six games remaining in the regular season. Reus added:

"As I mentioned before, my last game was nearly three months ago, and obviously, I need time to adapt to the team and everything around me, including my fitness and other aspects. I’m not worried; we just need to stay together, and after the last loss, we need to be more united and be a team. I’m not concerned about the upcoming games."

In the 23 matches played between the two teams across all competitions, Los Angeles Galaxy leads the rivalry with a record of nine wins, eight losses, and five draws, with 47 goals scored and 47 conceded. LAFC, on the other hand, has a record of eight wins, nine losses, and five draws.