Editorial (July 29, 2017) – The LA Galaxy made big news this week, appointing Sigi Schmid as Head Coach. He’s a former Galaxy manager and in many ways the winningest coach in American Soccer. Just a few miles north, Los Angeles FC appointed former Chivas USA and longtime Europe-based coach Bob Bradley as Head Coach. With this and a few other things, the new LA Derby is back.
SuperClasico Reborn: The New LA Derby Has Officially Begun
The SuperClasico was the most one-sided rivalry in MLS history. The LA Galaxy went 22-8-4 all-time against Chivas USA. They won the only Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matchup. In their only ever playoff series, the Galaxy won the two leg series 3-2 on aggregate. Chivas won just one season series between the two (2007). From everything we’ve seen, LAFC vs. LA Galaxy will not be like this.
An MLS 3.0 Expansion Side vs. The First To Five
MLS fans have been talking about the Hudson River Derby and the comparison/contrast between the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC. This new LA Derby has a chance to top that. Both ownership groups show the ability to spend big money. LAFC have a bunch of celebrity owners. Bob Bradley’s going to have a huge budget. They’re building an MLS 3.0 soccer-specific stadium in downtown Los Angeles. LAFC wants to be a global club.
On the other side, the Galaxy are five time MLS Cup Champions. They’re tied with D.C. United for the most major trophies of any MLS team (12). They’ve had some of the best coaches and players in league history. If any team in MLS is a super club, it’s the Galaxy. And they’re finally getting a cross town rival who will be able to compete with them on and off the field.
LA Galaxy Struggles Opening The Door:
Other than the Freeway Faceoff, most of the cross town rivalries in the City of Angeles have been one-sided interm of fan support. Even with the Clippers being a regular playoff team and the Lakers struggling, the Lakers still outperform them with ticket prices on the secondary market and TV ratings. The Anahiem Ducks have had trouble selling out playoff games in the past and LA Kings fans make rivalry games at Honda Center a near neutral site game. It’s pretty well expected that no LA Rams fan is jumping ship to root for the Chargers. I’ve already rehashed how the Chivas-Galaxy rivalry was a goat massacre.
2018 will be a different situation. The Galaxy went through massive changes in the off-season and they’re not the juggernaut we’ve come to know and expect. Bruce Arena and a bunch of big players left the club. The Galaxy are being more economical in their approach and trying to promote Academy players from within. This has led to some growing pains and struggles. It ultimately cost Onalfo his job. Now the Galaxy are looking to right the ship and make the playoffs.
Optics in Los Angeles matter more than in other markets. This dynamic could make for lots of new fans to follow LAFC or Galaxy fans on the fence to jump. Especially in a year when the Galaxy raised ticket and parking prices.
Recent News:
July 27, 2017 will go down in history for professional soccer in Los Angeles. Sigi Schmid took over for Curt Onalfo at the LA Galaxy. Less than two hours later, Bob Bradley was announced as the first ever Manager of LAFC. Later in the day, the long rumor or Jonathan dos Santos signing with the Galaxy came to fruition. Galaxy President Chris Klein can say all he wants that this was a coincidence, but the Galaxy are definitely LAFC conscious with all of their decisions right now.
With these moves, the LA Derby could be set up as the MLS equivalent of the Manchester Derby. Two teams with big budgets, experienced managers, and a culture aiming to win the hearts of the city.
