Why is the MLS LA derby known as ‘El Trafico’? Two American sides prepare to lock horns this weekend

La Galaxy against Los Angeles FC is one of the newer football rivalries, but it’s already picked up a brilliant nickname.

The game is known as ‘El Trafico’, and it sees one of the traditional American powerhouses in LA Galaxy take on their much younger counterparts.

The fans of both sides love it

LAFC were only created in 2014, but they have already formed a healthy football rivalry with their inner-county neighbours.

But where has this incredible name for their derby come from?

Why is the LA derby known as El Trafico?

The name El Trafico is a pun on El Clasico, which sees Barcelona and Real Madrid face off.

In Spanish, El Trafico literally translates to ‘the traffic’ because Los Angeles is known for having some of the worst traffic jams in America and the world.

The name came from MLS fans who voted on several online polls, and it has been adopted from there.

There has been some opposition from LAFC to the name, but it has stuck and is even used by media outlets in America.

It’s a new rivalry, but it’s an intense oneGetty

The latest installment is set to take place this weekend, with LAFC hosting Galaxy on Sunday, September 17.

Galaxy claimed the bragging rights in the last match with a 2-1 win.

El Trafico has only been played since 2018, but it’s steadily growing.

An attendance of over 86,000 watched that 2-1 win for Galaxy at the famous Rose Bowl stadium.

So, although this game doesn’t have the pedigree of some of the world’s other major derbies, it certainly means a lot to the fans, and with a name like that, how can you not like it?