Local News
How to watch as the best rivalry in MLS heats up with Western Conference on the line – NBC Los Angeles
The rivalry between LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has always delivered fireworks, and the upcoming edition of El Tráfico on Saturday, September 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, promises to be no different.
With both teams battling for the top of the table in the Western Conference and two global superstars set to make their rivalry debuts, this match has the makings of another classic.
“It’s a derby and I think both teams want to win this game, regardless of the standings,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. “Putting the added pressure of the standings helps. It’s late in the season and both teams want, and possibly need points. It’s a great matchup. I’m looking forward to it.”
Since its inception in 2018, El Tráfico has consistently lived up to its name, producing dramatic moments, jaw-dropping goals, and unforgettable storylines.
That first encounter remains iconic—LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to score two late goals in a 4-3 win after LAFC’s Carlos Vela had lit up the first half with a pair of goals.
Six years and 23 meetings later, LA Galaxy and LAFC have given fans plenty of reasons to circle their calendars whenever these two teams meet.
This time, the stakes are higher, the stars are bigger, and the tension is palpable.
Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud: European Legends Set to Make Their Mark
The 24th edition of El Tráfico will introduce two new faces to the rivalry, both of whom have enjoyed glittering careers in European soccer.
LA Galaxy’s new midfielder Marco Reus and LAFC’s Olivier Giroud are ready to showcase their talent in this high-octane derby, and their presence is sure to tip the scales in a match that’s already brimming with emotion.
Olivier Giroud arrives at LAFC with a resume that speaks for itself. The French striker has lifted trophies with Chelsea, Arsenal, and AC Milan, and his ability to rise to the occasion in big matches is well-documented.
Giroud joins an already stacked LAFC attack featuring Denis Bouanga, Cristian Olivera, and Mateusz Bogusz. His physical presence and world-class finishing make him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he’ll be hungry to make his mark in this fierce rivalry.
“It’s my first derby against the LA Galaxy. I can’t wait for it” said Giroud. “We’ve been training really well this week..we feel ready for the big game…I will try and make it three wins in a row for the first time in history. I’ve been told that it will be a record to be the first team to win three derbys in a row.”
Reus, who spent 12 years as Borussia Dortmund’s talisman, joins LA Galaxy with a reputation as a game-changer. Having scored 170 goals and won two German Footballer of the Year awards, Reus brings experience, leadership, and a deadly scoring touch to the Galaxy midfield.
Linking up with talents like Joseph Painstil, Riqui Puig, and Gabriel Pec, Reus will be key to breaking down LAFC’s defense.
“We know each other really well. They play with a back-five, and that’s difficult for us because we don’t play a lot of teams with a back-five. Inside the box and the midfielders, it’s always man-to-man, and that’s also difficult for us,” said Puig who scored the game-winning goal for the Galaxy during the 2023 Fourth of July El Trafico at the Rose Bowl. “But on Saturday Greg [Vanney] has some ideas and he wants to change a little bit. I think that’s good for us and will help us get the three points because it’s really important.
Both Giroud and Reus are fresh to the MLS, but neither is a stranger to high-pressure games. With a combined 527 goals between them, Reus and Giroud are poised to bring something extra to this edition of El Tráfico.
A High-Stakes Clash for Playoff Position
Beyond the individual narratives, the stakes for both clubs couldn’t be higher. LA Galaxy currently sits atop the Western Conference with 52 points, but their lead is far from secure. LAFC is right behind them with 48 points, and crucially, the Black and Gold have two games in hand. A win on Saturday could see LAFC close the gap and set up a dramatic final push for playoff seeding.
“Number 1 against number 2. These are the two best teams in the Western Conference. When you look at LAFC, they are getting all their players back that have been gone for international duty, so they’ll be at full strength,” said MLS Match Analyst for Apple TV, Marcelo Balboa. “The LA Galaxy is the same thing, they have everyone back from the Leagues Cup and from injuries. This is going to be a very tight game. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in the league. When you look at these two teams, you’re looking at the two best teams in the West right now. It’s a big match.
El Tráfico has never been short on goals, with 95 combined between the two clubs in their previous meetings. Add in the firepower of Reus and Giroud, and all signs point to another goal-filled encounter.
“For us, it’s important, especially against them, how we lose the ball, where we lose the ball, reactions when we lose the ball, are pivotal because of the power and speed they have in the transition,” said LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney. “Making sure we finish attacks is important. We have to be able to create high-quality chances against them, even though they are a good defensive team. And then you have to defend your moments like on set pieces where they have gotten us over the years. The devil is in the details. It’s a long game.”
History in the making
The LA Galaxy and LAFC have faced off 23 previous times in head-to-head competition with both teams each winning nine games and five draws between them. The winner on Saturday will take the lead in their head-to-head matchups.
The LA Galaxy are undefeated at Dignity Health Sports Park this season with their only “home” loss coming at the Rose Bowl against LAFC on July 4th.
LAFC won both matches this season by a score of 2-1 and will look to make it three in a row for the first time in the rivalry on Saturday.
How to Watch the Game
Fans of both teams will also have their eyes on the broadcast, as the match will air exclusively on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass at 7:30 PM PT. For those looking to catch all the action, Apple is offering MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 for the remainder of the season, and current Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for free for the rest of 2024.
This match has all the ingredients of a classic: high stakes, star power, and plenty of history between two clubs that simply do not like each other.
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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