After what felt like a season-long wait, LAFC is set to face off against cross-town rivals, the Galaxy, for their first playoff match of the Postseason. With help from JDS and Sebastian Lletget, the Galaxy surpassed Minnesota United by the score of 2-0, advancing to the Western Conference semifinal and getting the chance to face off against a very powerful club that is about 15-20 minutes away. The Black and Gold have an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone as they yet have to win their first ever playoff game and beat the Galaxy. No doubt, the sorrows of failing to win their first playoff match against Real Salt Lake and consecutive win-less attempts against the Galaxy still linger, but rest assured, LAFC will enter this match while swallowing the bite of vengeance and washing it down with a cup of short-term memory. These are the types of matches fans live for. It’s the Battle for Los Angeles. Who will come out on top?

Latif Blessing sits disappointed at midfield after scoring a brace in a 3-3 tie to the Galaxy. August 25,2019 Photo Courtesy of @quirkmedia via Instagram — **Latif Blessing sits disappointed at midfield after scoring a brace in a 3-3 tie to the Galaxy.** August 25,2019 Photo Courtesy of @quirkmedia via Instagram

There’s No Place Like Home

With only five meetings in total, Galaxy currently hold the all-time lead (2-0-2) with two wins at home against the Black and Gold, but cannot seem to get a win when visiting Banc of California Stadium. On the other hand, LAFC are still in need of a win. All of the matches played at The Banc have resulted in a draw, and this Thursday’s Playoff match will be there once again. Only this time, there must be a winner. Has LAFC’s day of redemption finally arrived?

With only five total matches played, the “110 Derby” has already been recognized as the greatest rivalry in the MLS, and the bar gets raised a bit higher as the two teams face off in the playoffs for the first time. July 19, 2019 Photo Courtesy of L… — With only five total matches played, the “110 Derby” has already been recognized as the greatest rivalry in the MLS, and the bar gets raised a bit higher as the two teams face off in the playoffs for the first time. July 19, 2019 Photo Courtesy of LA Daily News via Twitter @ladailynews

More than a rivalry

The best MLS rivalry returns, but since it’s a playoff match, it is much more than that. The winner of this match moves onto the Western Conference final against Seattle next Tuesday. Not only is that at stake, but earlier this week, rumors have been speculating that this could possibly Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s final match with the Galaxy. If true, this will be the last time we see Vela and Zlatan face off. Regardless, let’s cherish this match like it's the last. Will LAFC end Ibra’s tenure with the Galaxy? Or will Carson’s playoff run continue?

United Forever. Together as One. Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc — **United Forever. Together as One.** Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc

JR4’s Keys to Victory

It is no secret that LAFC have not shown that cutthroat playing style we are used to seeing when they play the Galaxy. So here are a few key factors that will lead to regression for the Black and Gold:

Win the Mental Game - This game is 10% physical and 90% Mental, and 100% of the games lost to the Galaxy were off of simple mental errors and being too complacent. Vela and the rest of the guys need to not let their opponents get under their skin and fight for what they want, because at the end of the day, this match will come down to who wants it more.

NO MISMATCHES - Whether if its over height differential or a skill-based matter, Walker Zimmerman and the rest of the defense need to recognize what they are up against and make changes, if needed, but they have to be made right away. I do not want to see Jordan Harvey marking Zlatan, that most likely will not end well. Therefore, the communication has to be there between the defense before and after a transition of play.

Exposure destroys your Composure - Somehow, Someway, LAFC have found ways to beat themselves when playing the Galaxy. They just have to play their game and match the intensity. No matter what the scoreline is or how much time is on the clock, just go out there and play the Black and Gold way. Trust in your teammates, get your job done. I believe, after five tries, LAFC have figured it out and will advance. Just as long as they keep their composure. That will be the biggest key for tonight’s match.

Scarves up in the North End - Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc — **Scarves up in the North End -** Photo Courtesy of LAFC via Instagram @lafc

To the Black and Gold Fans attending tonight’s match

90. Minutes. Non-Stop. We show our support to not only our players, but for each other, because this match will be a roller coaster of emotions. This will be the biggest game the people of Los Angeles will ever witness, and it is up to us to make it unforgettable. From the North End to the South. Figueroa club to Founders, we cheer like we’ve never cheered before. If we get scored on or we score, we continue to chant, no mater what. As supporters, we are the fuel that gets the players going and the creators of the atmosphere. We have a group of people who are trying to takeover what we have, and no matter how many of them come, we’re not going to let them. So let’s get into The Banc tonight and lets defend it! For Los Angeles!

Catch me at the tailgate and game today, feel free to say hello! Follow me on Instagram and Twitter to talk all things sports! Instagram @official.jr4 Twitter @Official_JR4

Remember, LA is Black and Gold!