2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 12
LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson
September 19 – 7:30 PM PT
LOCAL TV: Spectrum SportsNet
The LA Galaxy look to extend their unbeaten streak to seven when they host a Colorado Rapids side that has endured a rollercoaster few days.
The Galaxy (4W-3L-3D) had a four-match winning streak come to an end, but extended their unbeaten run to six following a 0-0 Cali Clasico draw against the San Jose Earthquakes, while the Rapids (3W-4L-4D) followed a 5-0 road win over RSL with a 4-1 defeat to FC Dallas Wednesday night.
The Galaxy have won 24 of the 38 all-time meetings at home, outscoring Colorado by more than 2-1. But the Rapids picked up all three points in their last trip to Carson, a Nicolas Mezquida penalty kick five minutes from time, the decisive moment. That victory snapped a six-game Galaxy undefeated home streak in the series, with two wins and four draws over the span. It was the Rapids first win there since Sept. 7, 2013.
LA Galaxy
After scoring three goals in each of their previous three wins, the Galaxy offense stalled against an Earthquakes squad that conceded seven in a stunning midweek loss to the Seattle Sounders. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez made his first appearance since suffering a calf injury in the MLS is Back Tournament, playing the final 33 minutes.
“We as a team don't give him the possibility for a score, but I think it's good to have him in [our] 18 players and getting better, I think, every day,” Galaxy coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said. “He will get better and better, and I hope to have him the best version very soon.”
Colorado Rapids
It was a historic and emotional win, one that handed their rivals their worst home defeat and crowned the Rapids Rocky Mountain Cup champions for the first time since 2015. But Colorado couldn't carry that momentum over, suffering a similarly lopsided defeat to FC Dallas Wednesday night.
It was a positive start and the Rapids probably did enough to be rewarded with the game's first goal. Instead, it was Santiago Mosquera who opened the scoring four minutes from halftime, the first of his three goals.
Series Matchup at Galaxy
- Galaxy: 24 wins, 73 goals
- Rapids: 8 wins, 35 goals
- 6 draws
Officials
- Referee: Ted Unkel
- Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Nick Balcer
- 4th Official: Michael Radchuk
- VAR: Ricardo Salazar
