February 28 – The MLS’s big opening weekend on the west coast got off to a false start with LA Galaxy’s derby match against LAFC – dubbed ‘El Trafico’ – scheduled to be played at the cavernous Pasadena Rose Bowl, postponed because of the storm that has battered the area.
The game was called off “due to safety considerations resulting from inclement weather and forecasted thunderstorms in the Los Angeles area”, said a joint statement from the clubs.
A rare winter storm hit Southern California with the LA area seeing its first blizzard warning since 1989 and heavy rain and lightning strikes expected over the weekend.
Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City had also been called off earlier in the week due to concerns over the weather. That match will be played tonight.
The LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers game has been rescheduled for July 4, also at the Rose Bowl.
The match looked to be on course to break the MLS attendance record with LA Galaxy reporting more than 70,000 tickets sold. The current attendance record is 74,495, set by Charlotte FC last season.
LAFC are the current MLS Cup champions and will now begin their 2023 campaign on March 4 against Portland Timbers at home. The following day LA Galaxy start their league season against FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas.
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