Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez (26) brings the ball up against Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sánchez (6) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) confronts the referee after he call off a goal by his team in VAR during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) headers the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić (99) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Douglas Costa (10) looks to pass against Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Diego Palacios (12) vies for the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy Kelvin Leerdam during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC supporters cheer after Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango, not pictured scores a goal during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral (9) attacks the goal against Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir (11) brings the ball up the pitch during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead (24) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo walks of the field at the end of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) point to the sky after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney walks off the field at the end of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral (9) moves the ball past Los Angeles FC defender Jesús Murillo (3) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) attacks the goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing (7) kicks the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) is fouled by Los Angeles FC midfielder José Cifuentes (11) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) dribbles the ball during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly, right, dribbles the ball past Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta, center, during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) vies for the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) looks for an open man during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) runs into a Los Angeles Galaxy defender during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) kicks the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC staters huddle during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises his hand prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises a scarf prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC supports cheer prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) kicks the ball during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises his scarf prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy fans cheer prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy starters huddle during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy supports erect a tifo of Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match against the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder José Cifuentes (11) kicks the ball agains Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Víctor Vázquez (7) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Helicopters fly over prior to that start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández, center, celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) recovers the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) defends against Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) winds up for a kick during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Brian Rodríguez (17) headers the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Derrick Williams (3) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Brian Rodríguez (17) brings the ball up the pitch against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Ismael Tajouri (19) kicks the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Diego Palacios (12) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Just another crazy, classic, draining edition of El Tráfico, right?
OK, we get it. There are some folks involved in Los Angeles’ MLS rivalry who don’t have much use for that nickname, and most of them apparently wear black and gold gear. For them we have an alternative, but they probably won’t like this one, either.
How about “12 Miles Of Agony?”
That’s roughly the distance between the home stadiums of LAFC and the Galaxy. For the several hundred LAFC fans who squeezed into the packed house in Carson Saturday evening, that pretty much describes the evening and the home team’s 2-1 win, although among the visiting fans you probably would have heard plenty of “it’s the ref’s fault,” as well as more colorful variations of the phrase.
LAFC had an apparent tying goal in the final minute of stoppage time overruled upon video review, when Latif Blessing knocked it past Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond but Mamadou Fall was judged to have been offside. The LAFC argument was that when the ball hit a defender the offside should have been negated.
“Well, I’ve seen the (play in) real time and also the replay on the screen at the stadium,” LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez said afterward. “It’s tough to say for me. Once (Carlos Vela) crossed it, I think … one of the defenders (made) a new play because they touch it, and that should be a play (in) our favor. New play. And then you all saw that we put it in, so I don’t want to complain about it.
“I think that we did everything to deserve at least a tie, if not more.”
That wasn’t all. Even during a first half where LAFC was pretty much outplayed, it had chances. Vela hit the post when he had Bond one-on-one in the 23rd minute. An apparent Vela goal in the 28th minute was nullified because of an offisde call, and Vela was offside in the 47th minute to cancel out another goal.
Imagine: The buildup on the national telecast of this game was all about Vela and the Galaxy’s Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez, the friends and former El Tri teammates who provide the star power to this rivalry. Who from Fox could have imagined that referee Chris Penso, assistant referees Jeremy Hanson and Logan Brown, fourth official Alex Chilwicz and VAR stewards Edvin Jurisevic and Tom Supple might have more of an influence on the result than the guys who get top billing.
Penso’s official explanation of the call at the end of the game, as provided to a pool reporter: “A review for offside was recommended by the VAR. The referee was shown clear evidence that in the build-up prior to the goal being scored, LAFC #5 (Mamadou Fall) was in a clear offside position when the ball was last touched by an attacker, which in this instance was LAFC #7 (Blessing).”
LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo’s response:
“I think if two calls go our way, we definitely get a point. Maybe we get three. Those calls were very close. And I will review them again, which is why I won’t comment on them now. But from what I understand, the refs could have called them either way.”
Trust me, he was biting his tongue.
And maybe an ending like that hurts more in a game like this. Derbies are different, whether they’re played in England, or Spain, or South America, or in that 12 miles of asphalt encompassing the 110 and 91 freeways. This is just the fifth year of this rivalry, but the distaste between fan bases reached USC-UCLA level long before this.
This was Cherundolo’s first taste of El Tráfico as LAFC’s coach. The high intensity and cauldron of noise and excitement might take some getting used to, but if you are a competitor these should be the moments you live for.
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “Compliments to all the fans who showed up. The 3252 (LAFC supporters group) were loud and visible. Great atmosphere.
“I think 25 years ago (in MLS’ infancy), if (I) would have said we’d have this in a derby, you would have said I’m crazy. So this is an amazing, amazing progression of our sport. And it’s great to be part of. But I’m sure it affects both teams, not just my players. I think you saw a lot of cramping going on from players. And that is for sure, a sign of exerting yourself, going over the lines, going over what you can because of the pressure and the nerves.”
Oh, and the 11 yellow cards might have been a sign, too.
“Electric, man. These games are electric,” said Galaxy defender Raheem Edwards, and he should know as well as anyone. Last season he was on the other side of this rivalry.
“The last 15 minutes I was dead, man,” he said. “These games are so high intensity and there’s always drama, whether you want it or not. This is the type of game this (rivalry) brings. It’s the biggest derby in the league and everyone’s eyes are on it, not even just in North America but Europe as well.
“You always have to be ready. You always have to have a full commitment.”
You think it’s not emotionally draining?
“I was devastated when they scored” what had appeared to be the tying goal, Bond said. “It was like living in a nightmare. Couldn’t believe that happened and the way they were celebrating. … It was a horrible moment. But then when you see the referee doing this (finger to his earpiece) for longer than 10-15 seconds, you start to wonder, maybe there was something wrong with that goal.”
One man’s ecstasy is another man’s agony. Then again …
“Yeah, this took a lot out of both teams physically and mentally,” Cherundolo said. “But I think it’s great, and I can’t wait for the next one.”
The rematch on LAFC’s turf is July 8. Good thing everyone has three months to recover.
