Chicharito affirms that LAFC-Galaxy El Tráfico rivalry is the best in MLS
The Mexican international believes that the rivalry between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC is the best in MLS.
Javier Chicharito Hernández had a stellar performance throughout the 2022 regular season scoring 18 goals and providing two assists in 32 appearances. The Mexican international helped the Los Angeles Galaxy make a late push to the MLS Cup playoffs and secure a top four finish in the Western Conference.
The Galaxy started the first round of the playoffs by hosting Nashville SC last week and Chicharito scored the opening goal of the game, following an assist by Riqui Puig in the first half. But after the VAR reviewed the play it was annulled and it was not until the second half that Julian Aruajo scored the goal that sent the Galaxy to the Western Conference semifinal.
Biggest rivalry in MLS
Now the most decorated team in Major League Soccer will go on the road to face the 2022 Supporters’ Shield winners Los Angeles Football Club on Thursday night at the Banc of California stadium. This rivalry has quickly become one of the most important ones in the league, but Javier Hernández believes that it is the biggest one due to certain factors.
“For sure, one hundred percent,” said Chicharito when asked if this was the biggest rivalry in MLS. “I don’t know, the players that have been in this organization [LA Galaxy], the city and LA Galaxy is the biggest organization here in MLS and to have a very direct rival it makes everything more interesting I think.”
Chicharito is eager to face LAFC in the conference final and helped the Galaxy advanced to the next round. The 34-year-old knows what it takes to play against the city rivals and in five appearances he has scored three goals across all competitions.
“I am going to leave everything tomorrow [Thursday], less words and more job and show everyone who is the best team,” said Chicharito following Wednesday’s practice session. “We are going to give our best tomorrow because it is an important match for us, the organization and the fans.”
“It is going to be a tough match, but have a lot of confidence in ourselves, in the team and in the way we have been improving,” added the LA Galaxy captain. Chicharito has benefited from the addition of Riqui Puig in the summer and that has helped him to focus on scoring and not leaving the box.