LAFC hosted their cross-city rivals LA Galaxy in the fifth Los Angeles derby at the weekend. Would it be fifth time lucky for the new boys to record their first ever victory over the Galaxy? Or would Zlatan continue to keep them at arms length? Whatever the score there's no keeping LAFC quiet. With The 3252 in full voice the Banc of California Stadium was our banker for a strong 'Framed' edition this week, and it did not disappoint.
If there's a stronger look in world football than LAFC then we're yet to see it. A sea of black and gold underneath a cloud of pyros is an almighty presence behind any goal and the home end was rocking as the Galaxy stepped into enemy territory. It's an atmosphere that could intimidate, if not confuse, the opposition with its wresting masks, heads on sticks, body paint, tattoos, sequins and raucous noise, but only an apocalypse is enough to throw Zlatan Ibrahimovic off his game.
The big man notched a brace in a frantic 3-3 draw with Cristian Pavon scoring the other goal for the visitors. LAFC's Latif Blessing recorded a brace of his own while Carlos Vela ensured a point for the home side.
El Trafico, as they call the fixture, has quickly become one of Major League Soccer's biggest fixtures with the introduction of LAFC adding a healthy rivalry to the league. LAFC couldn't have had a stronger introduction to the league in terms of branding. The club have sold an immense amount of stunning black and gold replica and clothing, the stadium is built for atmosphere close to the centre of LA, and the locals have filled it with infectious passion. Scroll through the photos and you've got no idea what's going on... but you want a slice of it.
As for the match, it was action-packed from the start. Ibrahimovic's first half brace saw the Galaxy take a 3-1 first half lead, but LAFC fought back to secure a draw thanks Carlos Vela's 53rd minutes strike. That was it for the scoring as neither side could clinch that winning fourth goal. They know how to put on a show down at the Banc of California Stadium.
Photography by Mark Carolan for SoccerBible.
