CARSON, Calif. — Live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
The rivalry between Los Angeles Galaxy and LAFC certainly didn’t need a boost, but Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup version of El Tráfico, which the Galaxy won 3-1, might’ve pushed it to another level. It was the second time ever the teams met in a knockout game, and this time it was the older L.A. squad that prevailed with a 3-1 win, remaining unbeaten against the Black and Gold at Dignity Health Sports Park.
But for the first time there was actual bad blood that boiled over postgame as players and coaches had to be separated amongst a sea of pushing and shoving. LAFC players Mamadou Fall and Brian Rodriguez were visibly among the most angered, and had to be held back multiple times. The loss itself could’ve been enough to spark those emotions, but this was different.
A day before the game Galaxy midfielder Raheem Edwards made some comments that sparked the fire. “I want to beat LAFC so bad,” he said. “The [3252, LAFC Supporters’ Group] … I’m going to be honest, I just want to piss them off.”
Edwards played for LAFC just last season and is the only player to appear for both sides in the rivalry. He knew exactly what he was doing, though. His villainous behavior was premeditated, and while LAFC saw it as shade, the Galaxy took it in stride. It motivated a team that was coming off consecutive home losses in which they were outscored 6-1.
“I need to get guys fired up, and I also want the drama,” he said. “I think MLS is a little too soft in terms of I think players are too conservative and they don’t want to look like the bad guy. I’m just trying to light the fire between both sides.”
For the first time in a while, everything went the Galaxy’s way, not just the result. Kévin Cabral, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández and Dejan Joveljić scored to put the Galaxy up 3-0 before LAFC seized late consolation. They were simply the better team.
Raheem Edwards is blustering…