CARSON, Calif. – The 2018 MLS regular season schedule is here, and as we break down the slate, LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano has provided his top five road trips that Los Angeles will embark upon this season.
NEW YORK CITY FC (March 11)
Los Angeles vs. New York. Giovani dos Santos vs. David Villa. This early season clash between the Galaxy and NYCFC has it all.
The Galaxy will look to signal their return to prominence when they make the trip to the Big Apple to face David Villa and New York City FC in March. Los Angeles fell 1-0 in their only match at Yankee Stadium in 2015 on a controversial Villa goal.
Not only will this match feature some of the league’s most exciting talents, but L.A. sports fan doesn’t love a good ol’ fashion L.A. vs. New York matchup.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (June 30)
No trip has given me more heartache or heart palpitations than the LA Galaxy’s annual trip to Stanford Stadium.
The California Clásico date with the Earthquakes is always full of dramatics from late goals to questionable refereeing decisions and everything in between. Although things haven’t always gone the Galaxy’s way at Stanford, the new year is another opportunity to erase the frustration of past years including 2017’s dramatic late-game collapse.
The match will be the Galaxy’s lone trip to Northern California this season and is a must attend for Galaxy fans. Ask for time off now.
LAFC (July 26)
The eyes of the league will be on Los Angeles when the LA Galaxy make their first trip to Banc of California Stadium to take on LAFC.
There will undoubtedly be a packed house when Sigi Schmid’s Galaxy make the drive up the 110 freeway to face Bob Bradley’s squad at LAFC’s new venue at Exposition Park. Perhaps the only surprising fact about the match is that will take place on a Thursday, but don’t expect that to take away from any of the drama.
If there was one road match for Galaxy fans to attend in 2018, this is it.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC (Aug. 18)
This list could not be completed without a mention to the LA Galaxy’s trip to CenturyLink Field to face the hated Seattle Sounders.
The Galaxy’s struggles in 2017 notwithstanding, the two teams have fostered one of the most exciting rivalries in Major League Soccer since Seattle entered the league nearly a decade ago. The 2018 season pledges to be a pivotal one for both clubs as Seattle look to maintain their dominance atop the West while the Galaxy seek to return to their place atop the summit.
Expect yet another packed house at CenturyLink Field for the Galaxy’s annual visit to Seattle.
TORONTO FC (Sept. 15)
Perhaps the most exciting Eastern Conference trip this season will be in September when the Galaxy head into the Six to take on reigning MLS Cup Champion Toronto FC.
The Toronto trip has long been a favorite of mine especially after TFC remodeled BMO Field in 2015 which for my money is one of the most excellent soccer venues in North America. On the pitch, there promises to be no shortage of action as Giovinco, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Victor Vasquez try to lead the Reds to a repeat.
The match will also be a reunion for Sigi Schmid who coached Toronto FC’s brain trust Gregg Vanney and Robin Frasier when they were at the Galaxy in the late 90s.
