Galaxy leave LAFC stuck in ‘El Tráfico’

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  • 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)

  • 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 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 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 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 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 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)

  • 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 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 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)

  • 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 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 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 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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 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)

  • 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 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 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 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 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 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)

  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 defender Mamadou Fall (5) headers the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (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 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)

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El Tráfico. La Clásico. The L.A. Derby. Clásico Angelino. The 110 Derby. Or some variation thereof.

Call the passionate five-year-old rivalry between the L.A. Galaxy and the Los Angeles Football Club what you will.

For a variety of reasons, people on all sides already do.

Waiting to enter Dignity Health Sports Park before the first of two regular season Major League Soccer meetings pitting the Galaxy and LAFC in 2022, Brandon Cervantes was under the impression that “nobody is happy” with the widely adopted “El Tráfico” moniker.

“I don’t know why,” said the teenager, who cheered on the Galaxy since he was 4. “I’m fine. It sounds like a good name. Instead of El Clásico, it’s El Tráfico.”

The play on words, a nod to massive Spanish rivals Barcelona FC and Real Madrid, is “culturally appropriate being in L.A.,” expressed Matthew Vega, an LAFC supporter beginning with the 2021 season after he moved to South Los Angeles. “I think it fits pretty well for LAFC and L.A. Galaxy.”

Esteban Preciado, a twenty-something LAFC fan since 2018, couldn’t wait to join the crowd, a sell-out of 25,174, for his first in-person match, and while he called the contest the “L.A. Clásico” he doesn’t mind “El Tráfico.”

“It’s good because there’s a lot of traffic here,” he said. “It fits.”

To the delight of Galaxy fans, following a thrilling 2-1 victory on Saturday, the derby contests in their home park have resulted in one-way traffic to the tune of five wins and two draws.

Scott McClure and Mark Leonard attended their first Galaxy match on July 4, 2013, and the married couple have watched every contest between the archrivals in Carson.

“In my opinion it’s the best rivalry in MLS and one of the best sports rivalries in the country,” McClure said. “When you say ‘El Tráfico’ everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

Amongst residents of the city, surrounding areas and MLS fans across the country this is true, yet the distaste for the label, which fans on both sides selected during online polls prior to their first meeting, lingers.

“I don’t think it’s the best name but I can see why it kind of stuck,” said Greg Borgogna, 48, who has pulled for the Galaxy since their inaugural season of 1996. “It’s just a derby. It’s our crosstown rival no matter what you want to call it.”

To that end, Marvin Giovanni, a season ticket member and Galaxy fan starting at the Rose Bowl in ‘96, agrees with Borgogna.

‘El Tráfico’ is stupid, man,” Giovanni said. “I know they’re trying to go with L.A. having the worst traffic in the world, but first of all it’s in Spanish. I love Spanish. It’s my first language but it doesn’t connect with me to be honest with you.

“I call it the L.A. Derby. Anywhere in the world you go they call it a derby. So it’s only fitting we call it the L.A. Derby.”

Executives with LAFC as well as the club’s first head coach Bob Bradley bristled at the title, and their objections filtered down to the deepest roots of The 3252 supporter group, whose insiders prefer Clásico Angelino.

On Saturday, the one title everyone wants to be associated with — winner — belonged to the Galaxy.

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