LA Galaxy and LAFC to Renew Rivalry in Epic Season Opener at the Iconic Rose Bowl Stadium

As soccer fever grips Los Angeles, fans of the beautiful game are counting down the days until the historic clash between two of the city’s biggest soccer teams – the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). 

This year, the stage is set for a truly epic match, as both teams open their 2023 Major League Soccer season at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. 

“The LA Galaxy are excited to write a new chapter in the storied soccer legacy of Los Angeles as we kick off our 2023 campaign against our intercity rival LAFC at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium,” LA Galaxy President Chris Klein said. 

“We have a great history at the most legendary sports venue in the United States and know this will be a great spectacle for fans as we place one of the most exciting new rivalries in the world on LA’s biggest stage.”

The match, presented by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, is set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Rose Bowl. 

Both teams have a long history of challenging each other and the rivalry promises to be an exciting one.

“Rose Bowl Stadium, which was home to the LA Galaxy from 1996-2002, will become the biggest stage for Los Angeles’ marquee soccer rivalry between the LA Galaxy and LAFC as both teams open their 2023 MLS season at the iconic venue,” according to a report by LA Galaxy.

The LA Galaxy and LAFC matchup, nicknamed El Trafico, has become one of MLS’ highest-profile rivalries since LAFC joined the league in 2018, ESPN reported. 

“This rivalry has, from day one, delivered an energy and electricity that together with incredible moments and memories on the pitch, has established it among the most engaging not only in Los Angeles but across MLS,” LAFC Co-President & CBO Larry Freedman said. 

“It is only fitting that we are now taking it to one of the most iconic venues in all of sports.”

The 2023 MLS Regular-Season Opener between the LA Galaxy and LAFC marks the 17th meeting between the two sides across all competitions, with the Galaxy leading the all-time series 7-4-5. In three matches played across all competitions against LAFC during the 2022 campaign, the Galaxy held a 2-1-0 record, LA Galaxy continued in its report. 

The LA Galaxy played their first-ever match at Rose Bowl Stadium in a 2-1 win over the NY/NJ MetroStars on April 13, 1996. 

“In LA’s final competitive match at Rose Bowl Stadium, the Galaxy earned a 4-0 win over the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Western Conference Finals on Oct. 5, 2002,” according to LA Galaxy. 

“In 127 combined regular-season and postseason matches played at the Rose Bowl, the LA Galaxy hold a record of 86-32-9.”

The Rose Bowl Stadium is no stranger to hosting major soccer matches. 

“The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, which has a capacity of over 90,000, hosted the 1994 men’s and 1999 women’s World Cup finals and was the Galaxy’s home between 1996 and 2002,” ESPN reported. 

The clash at the Rose Bowl Stadium promises to be a memorable occasion, and a fitting way to kick off the 2023 MLS season. For Los Angeles’ area soccer faithful, it’s a fixture not to be missed.

Kickoff time for the season opener on Saturday, Feb. 25 is at 6:30 p.m.

For tickets https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/details/308/la-galaxy-vs-lafc-season-opener