Major League Soccer’s best rivalry returns this weekend, when Los Angeles FC hosts the LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium.
This El Tráfico feels a bit different that many of the previous incarnations, however, with LAFC looking up at the Galaxy in the Western Conference standings. That has to be an uncomfortable position for a team that has advanced to the previous two MLS Cups.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, look like a legit force. New designated players Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec have panned out. Teaming with incumbents Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljic, the quartet is a goal-scoring juggernaut. Can this team be a serious Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup contender?
Let’s see where the Galaxy stand now that we’re a month and a half (or so) into the 2024 season. Here’s a real quick look at a top five MLS power rankings (so far):
LA Galaxy — This revamped team is an absolute wagon heading into El Tráfico rivalry game at Los Angeles FC.
FC Cincinnati — Last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners are one of three undefeated teams (the aforementioned Galaxy and Philadelphia Union).
Columbus Crew — Last season’s MLS Cup winners are still on the short list of title contenders, but have struggled a bit of late.
New York Red Bulls — With six goals scored in five games in March, Lewis Morgan matched Carlos Vela’s opening month total from his 2019 record-setting season.
Atlanta United FC — The Five Stripes appear to be returning to their pre-COVID times form when they won the 2018 MLS Cup and came a game short of a title game return in 2019. They’ve outscored opponents 9-1 at the friendly confines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
You’re probably wondering where Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami fits in. Well, at the moment they’d probably be team No. 6, but — don’t fret — the ceiling for the Herons is high. Inter Miami just needs a healthy Lionel Messi to really be a league powerhouse.
WATCH: Messi and Inter Miami host Colorado on Apple TV
TICKETS: Experience Messi and Inter Miami in person at home against the Colorado Rapids
SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS store
MLS Matchday 8: What are this weekend’s MLS games?
(All games available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.)
Saturday
FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. ET
Inter Miami CF vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 p.m. ET
New England Revolution vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
New York City FC vs. Atlanta United FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles FC vs. LA Galaxy, 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
Austin FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8:30 p.m. ET
Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
Minnesota United FC vs. Real Salt Lake, 8:30 p.m. ET
Nashville SC vs. Philadelphia Union, 8:30 p.m. ET
St. Louis City SC vs. FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET
Seattle Sounders FC vs. CF Montréal, 10:30 p.m. ET
Sunday
➤ 2024 MLS schedule and scores
MLS game of the week: Los Angeles FC vs. LA Galaxy
Date and time: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV/streaming info: FOX/MLS Season Pass
The Galaxy might hold an edge in their El Tráfico rivalry with LAFC (nine Galaxy wins to seven LAFC wins and five draws), but it has been LAFC that has enjoyed decidedly more on-field success overall since joining MLS in 2018. LAFC has won an MLS Cup, two Supporters’ Shields, played in two Concacaf Champions League finals as well as the Campeones Cup final. The Galaxy has two playoff appearances in six seasons, getting no further than the conference semifinals. That’s not good for a franchise that boasts the most MLS Cup wins … however, not getting even close to another in the decade since its 2014 win.
Might this season see a changing of the guard? While the Galaxy have been the league’s biggest surprise, LAFC have struggled out of the gate, seemingly treading water until the summer transfer window brings in Olivier Giroud (reportedly) and other reinforcements.
Players such as Riqui Puig (6) have LAFC chasing the Galaxy in the standings.
Where can you watch MLS games?
All Major League Soccer games air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Some select games are available for free on Apple TV and viewers only need an Apple ID to watch.
FOX Sports will air select games on linear television.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLS schedule: Games, scores, Apple TV streaming info for Matchday 8
