2013 El Tráfico Derby vs Chivas USA
A chaotic, goal-fest farewell that sealed the legacy of Southern California's greatest rivalry.
The 2013 El Tráfico Derby between LA Galaxy and Chivas USA stands as one of the final, most poignant chapters in a storied rivalry that defined soccer in Southern California for over a decade. Played at the Home Depot Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park) on June 9, 2013, this match was not just another league fixture but an emotional farewell to Chivas USA before their eventual dissolution later that year. It featured two of the region's most passionate fanbases clashing in a high-stakes environment where every tackle carried the weight of history.
- date
- June 9, 2013
- venue
- Home Depot Center, Carson, California
- competition
- Major League Soccer (MLS) Regular Season
- final_score
- LA Galaxy 4 - 3 Chivas USA
- key_attendee
- Landon Donovan
- rivalry_status
- Final major derby before Chivas USA folded in 2014
Lore & Background
By 2013, the shadow of Chivas USA's impending closure loomed large over the league, turning every match into a potential goodbye. The atmosphere at Carson was electric with a mix of celebration and melancholy, as fans knew they were witnessing the twilight of an era. This specific derby became legendary not for a trophy won, but for the sheer volume of goals scored and the emotional release it provided to two communities saying their final goodbyes on the pitch.
In Their Own Story
The sun beat down on the Carson turf as the air grew thick with the scent of grilled meat and anticipation. Thousands of voices rose in a unified roar that shook the stadium foundations, a cacophony of '¡Vamos Chivas!' and 'Go Galaxy!' blending into a single heartbeat. On the sideline, players tightened their boots, knowing this wasn't just about three points; it was about etching their names into the final pages of a book that would soon be closed forever.
Reader's Guide
The match erupted immediately into chaos, setting the stage for one of the most memorable goal-fests in MLS history. Neither defense could hold firm as both teams traded blows with relentless intensity, turning the pitch into a battlefield where possession changed hands every few seconds. Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane led the Galaxy charge, finding the net early to establish dominance, but Chivas USA refused to yield. The visitors fought back with fierce determination, equalizing and briefly taking the lead in a stunning display of resilience that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides singing until their voices were hoarse, creating a deafening backdrop for every pass and tackle. As the clock ticked down, the Galaxy managed to secure a late winner, capping off a 4-3 thriller that left spectators breathless. This game is remembered as the ultimate El Tráfico spectacle—a violent, beautiful, and heartbreaking conclusion to a rivalry that defined an era.
Did You Know?
- This match was part of the final season for Chivas USA before the franchise folded in late 2014.
- The 7 total goals scored in this single game made it one of the highest-scoring El Tráfico derbies ever recorded.
- Landon Donovan scored a crucial goal in this fixture, adding to his legendary status as the greatest player in Galaxy history.
- The rivalry was named 'El Tráfico' due to the notorious traffic jams caused by fans traveling between Los Angeles and Long Beach for these matches.