[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he game was a test of wills in the nascent world of L.A. soccer’s two big houses, and a reflection of a changing city — the legacy club LA Galaxy against the upstart kids on the block, the Los Angeles Football Club. Their matches are quickly becoming a quest for bragging rights among the growing Major League Soccer fanbase in Los Angeles.
And on Thursday night, the LAFC settled for a 2-2 tie against Galaxy, in a four-goal thriller. Expectation for the next match-up was palpable immediately.
The bubbling rivalry, which fans have dubbed "El Tráfico," pits the newest Major League Soccer franchise against one of its most storied clubs, and also highlights a geographical divide.
The Galaxy, founded in 1996, play in Carson, while the LAFC — in their inaugural season — play in Exposition Park, with a view of the downtown skyscrapers. Thursday’s game gave LAFC a chance for revenge following a 4-3 loss at the Galaxy’s home stadium four months ago. Although it didn't happen for LAFC this time, the club's fans are not ceding.