Los Angeles FC v Los Angeles Galaxy: Reus relishing first away El Trafico

Having played in several Bundesliga derbies during his time with Borussia Dortmund, Marco Reus is relishing Los Angeles Galaxy's upcoming clash with rivals Los Angeles FC. 

Reus has played in two El Trafico fixtures since arriving in the MLS from Germany, and took centre stage in the first edition of this season's derby back in May. 

With the Galaxy enduring a five-game losing run, Reus scored twice, including a stunning 87th-minute free-kick that sealed a share of the spoils at Dignity Health Sports Park. 

While Greg Vanney's side have continued to struggle, they had gone three league matches without defeat until a 2-1 loss to Austin FC in their last MLS encounter. 

That result leaves them three points adrift at the bottom of the Western Conference, though Reus believes there is no better chance to respond than against their city rivals. 

"I played a few derbies in my career, so I know a little bit about derbies and rivalry," Reus said.

"Of course, everybody in the team is excited to play this game, especially when you play away. For me, it will be the first time to play in this stadium.

"But honestly, our goal has to always be the same. To win these games. It will be a huge game for the city, for the club. So we try, of course, our best."

For LAFC, meanwhile, they are looking to record a fourth consecutive league win for the first time this season after their 1-0 triumph over Minnesota United last time out. 

Denis Bouanga's penalty three minutes before half-time sealed the win for Steve Cherundolo's side, who sit fourth in the Western Conference after 20 games of their season. 

El Trafico is a fixture Bouanga relishes, having scored six times against the Galaxy in his seven MLS outings against them, more than he has managed against any other team. 

And Cherundolo stressed the importance of his star striker, who has 16 goal involvements (11 goals, five asissts) so far this season. 

"Denis remains an important part of our attack. One of the most dangerous players in the league," Cherundolo said. 

"He can beat you with physicality, he can beat you with his technique, whether that be on the dribble or as a pure finisher. So he has many tools to break defenses down, and we rely on him to do that here at LAFC.

"His season? For attackers, it's always up and down. When you get on the scoring board, you're up; when you don't, you're down. We try to see the work in between.

"And for me, it's been very consistent over the past three years. So I tend not to see attackers just based on their form and production."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC – Jeremy Ebobisse

Ebobisse has enjoyed his fixtures against the Galaxy, scoring 10 goals in his 17 regular-season matches against them during his time in the MLS. 

The only players in league history with more regular-season goals against the Galaxy are Jason Kreis (13 in 39), Jeff Cunningham (13 in 30), Ante Razov (12 in 31) and Chris Wondolowski (12 in 31).

LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil

Paintsil's sensational run of form continued against Austin last time out, netting his third goal this month from the spot in midweek. 

It is the first time in his MLS career that he has scored three or more goals in a single calendar month, and he will be keen to add to that tally against the Galaxy's rivals. 

MATCH PREDICTION: LAFC WIN

LAFC have won four of their last five regular-season home matches against their city rivals (D1), including the last three in a row. The Galaxy had avoided defeat in each of their first three league visits to BMO Stadium.

This weekend's hosts have also won 17 of their last 21 home matches in all competitions, beginning with last season's US Open Cup Final (D1 L3). LAFC have won six of their last seven at home, with five of those six victories coming by margins of at least two goals.

The Galaxy, meanwhile, are winless in 14 straight away matches in all competitions in 2025 (D4 L10), though they have managed to draw two of their last three on the road. They have not kept a clean sheet in 22 straight away matches, last doing so in June 2024.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC – 61.1%

Draw – 20.5%

LA Galaxy – 18.4%