MLS Playoffs Stakes Rise as Galaxy Surge and LAFC Slide

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Galaxy’s Rise and LAFC’s Slide Raise the Stakes for El Trafico

LA Galaxy and LAFC are enduring bittersweet seasons, with both clubs falling short of the standards their supporters expect. The Galaxy have championships, history and a legacy to defend, while LAFC established an early standard for how a new franchise should invest and play.

In the short term, however, there is more optimism around the Galaxy. After sitting near the bottom of the table and struggling since 2024, the team is beginning to show signs of life and play more creatively. The Galaxy are fighting to reach the playoffs and avoid a high-pressure play-in game in Colorado, making the upcoming El Trafico matches must-win contests in their pursuit of seventh place.

The two clubs appear to be moving in opposite directions. The Galaxy are rising, while LAFC have lost momentum and dropped to sixth place. LAFC lack a clear identity, with several new players still learning what it means to represent the club and too few veterans setting the standard. The team also cannot continue depending on Buanga to rescue it in every match.

LAFC have already changed coaches during the season for the first time, dismissing one before he could complete a full campaign. The team had been playing without a clear strategy, often sitting without the ball and waiting for an opportunity to send it toward Buanga or Sonny for a quick break and a relentless attack. Opponents have seen that approach for several seasons, and it is no longer producing the same results.

The interim coach has not yet improved the team, making this season feel increasingly disposable. A strong finish over the final few games could still create a turnaround, beginning with a win over the Galaxy. A loss in El Trafico, however, could make it difficult for LAFC to maintain their motivation, even though playoff possibilities would remain.

The Galaxy also have reasons for confidence. Set pieces, a long-standing weakness, have become a strength, with Marco Reus making a major impact. Jean Klaus has returned and is scoring consistently, presenting one of the Galaxy’s biggest threats.

Defensively, Jakob Glesnes has not played at the level expected after arriving from Philly, but Garces has performed well in his place. Garces is young and has collected several red cards, yet his recent play could earn him a starting role in El Trafico despite the risk.

For the first time in a while, the Galaxy can enter the rivalry with a chip on their shoulder and a sense that they might be the better team. There is still uncertainty about whether they can win, but their improvement and LAFC’s decline promise a fiery match with significant playoff implications.