LOS ANGELES — When seven buses leave Lot 6 at Exposition Park Saturday morning some four hours before the LA Galaxy host LAFC (3 pm ET | FOX), 400 away supporters will complete their three-year, 12.7-mile journey to the expansion side’s first derby match.
That’s less than a half-marathon away. But don’t expect a parking lot party when they arrive in Carson.
“No tailgate plans,” Josef Zacher, the president of LAFC’s 3252 independent supporters' union said with a shred of disbelief and disappointment in his voice. “We get off the bus and get escorted in.”
Inside StubHub Center, a buffer “about two sections wide” will separate the 3252 from the Galaxy’s Angel City Brigade supporter group, along with private security officers and delineating tarps.
That funneling, Zacher imagines, will swell the numbers in the supporter section to around 1,000, but other figures suggest the amount of black jerseys in the stadium may be much higher.
“What we’re hearing is that it’s about 5,000 people that have bought up tickets that are not identifying as Galaxy,” Zacher said.
When asked whether any tifo will be opening up in the away stands, he flashes a huge grin.
“If there is,” he said, “it’ll be a surprise for everyone.”
The curious and critical masses will tune in hoping to see the dos Santos brothers try to outshine Carlos Vela, and measure how many heads taller Zlatan Ibrahimović stands beside Joao Moutinho on corners.
Those wearing black in sections 116, 117, and 118 won’t much mind whether anyone outside the stadium takes note. Their attention will be directed at the opposition – on the field and in the stands – wearing white. They’ve been anticipating this for a long time.
Zacher said there’s been no mingling between the two supporters groups, no spirited “friendly” pickup games like those played between Chivas USA and LA Galaxy fans in years past.
And while there might not be a tailgate party at the StubHub Center, Zacher expects the postgame festivities — especially with some of the city’s best nightlife within striking distance of Banc of California Stadium — to be lively.
“Everyone is picking out bars for post-game,” Zacher said. “Regardless of results, we’re all going to get together.”
