Sunday night promises to be electrifying at Dignity Health Sports Park with the showdown between LA Galaxy and Chivas Guadalajara. But what truly makes this encounter special is the return of a familiar face: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, the great Mexican striker.
Chicharito was one of the main names at the Galaxy for four seasons, despite constant battles with injuries. He scored 39 goals and contributed six assists in 82 matches, solidifying himself as the seventh all-time top scorer in the club's history. He didn’t just score goals; he embodied hope and leadership on the field. For two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, he was the team's top scorer, carrying the responsibility of leading the squad during the most crucial moments.
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"Obviously, Chicharito is a competitor," said LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney. "That’s what you always get from him: a super competitive guy. He understands the game within the game and will certainly be highly motivated to come here, play well, and score goals against us. His motivation will be through the roof for this match."
After closing the chapter with the Galaxy, Chicharito reopened the doors of his old home, Chivas de Guadalajara, in January 2024. It was there that he began his path to glory, with 75 games and 30 goals between 2006 and 2010, helping the club win the LIGA MX Apertura title in the 2006-07 season.
The move from Sevilla to LA in 2020 was a true sensation in North American soccer. He arrived as the big star, the franchise player destined to lead the Galaxy to new glories, replacing the charismatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When healthy, Chicharito proved to be one of the league's best strikers, playing the role of captain and spiritual leader of the team. In 2022, he led the Galaxy back to the Audi MLS Cup playoffs, with 18 goals and two assists, being a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. It was the only time the Galaxy reached the playoffs in the last four seasons, highlighting the importance of the Mexican striker.
Now, at 36, Chicharito is back in LA, this time wearing Chivas’ jersey, ready to lead the "Goats" to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup against his former club. But the journey won’t be easy. Chicharito didn’t participate in Chivas’ first game in the Leagues Cup due to muscle pains, a worrying sign about his physical condition. During training, he was seen with a bandage on his thigh, raising doubts about his ability to play the full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, Chicharito wasn’t deterred and left an inspiring message for Chivas fans on his social media: "This weekend will be special!"
Chivas coach Fernando Gago expressed hope that Chicharito would be ready to take the field and make a difference. Chicharito trained with the group, though with a bandaged thigh, and his participation will depend on his physical progress by Sunday.
At 31, after a decade in Europe, Chicharito changed scenery and signed with the Galaxy, stating it was "the right moment and the right opportunity." He arrived as the top scorer of the Mexican National Team, with nearly 60 goals for Manchester United, in addition to stints at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Sevilla. His impact on the Galaxy was immediate, not just in terms of goals but also in his leadership and presence on the field.
The Leagues Cup will pit Chivas against the Galaxy, an opportunity for Chicharito to face his former club and show he still has a lot to offer. Chivas drew in their debut against the San Jose Earthquakes and needs a win against the Angelenos to stay in the tournament. Chicharito's return to the team he loves, almost 14 years after his transfer to Manchester United, closes a circle in his brilliant career.
However, his experience hasn't yet fully reflected in goals, having scored just one since his return to Chivas. Regaining his physical form has been a challenge, especially after a previous cruciate ligament injury, but he has shown signs of improvement, especially during pre-season.
Los Angeles eagerly awaits to see if the number 14 can overcome adversity and shine once again at Dignity Health Sports Park, now as an opponent of the club he once called home.
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All tickets and parking are digital and will be accessible through the LA Galaxy App or AXS App (swiping a credit card or driver license will no longer be permitted). Fans should download the latest version of the LA Galaxy App or AXS App and log in prior to arriving at the stadium to ensure that their pre-purchased parking passes and tickets are accessible. For assistance, please call 1-877-3GALAXY.
The Galaxy Express offers fans free non-stop shuttles to and from Dignity Health Sports Park for every LA Galaxy home match and includes free parking at Del Amo Station or Harbor Gateway Transit Center.
The Galaxy Express shuttle will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, operating approximately every 10 minutes and running through the match’s 15th minute. Return trips will begin after the game and will run for 45 minutes. Parking is free at our two Galaxy Express pickup/drop-off locations:
Harbor Gateway Transit Center - 731 W. 182nd St. Gardena, CA 90248
Del Amo Station - 20220 Santa Fe Ave. Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
See more information about the Galaxy Express here.
Fans parking on site are encouraged to arrive early.
(Please be advised that credit/debit cards are the only forms of payment accepted when purchasing parking on site.)
Supporter Sections
Please note that ONLY LA GALAXY gear will be allowed in sections 118-125 as well as 137-138. All gear associated with the visiting team and its players (including but not limited to Chivas, Mexico, Real Madrid, etc.) is prohibited in these sections. For any questions on this policy, please email [email protected]. All gear associated with members of the opposing team is prohibited in these sections. The Chivas supporter section will be 104-106. Galaxy jerseys in those sections are prohibited.
Throughout the match, fans will be able to order concessions through the LA Galaxy App and have them ready for pick-up at designated concession stands. Separate concession stands will offer walk-up purchasing.
The LA Galaxy Team Store inside the stadium, located in the main plaza near SoccerFest, will be open on game day.
Season Ticket Members can apply their discount at checkout by scanning the QR code at the entrance of the LA Galaxy Team Stores and logging in with the primary email address on their account. The discount barcode will then appear and can be added to your phone's digital wallet.
Dignity Health Sports Park has provided reverse ATMs to convert cash to prepaid cards, which you can use outside the stadium as well. The reverse ATMs are located in Legends Plaza outside the stadium and on the East and West Concourses inside the stadium.
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Please visit our FAQ page or email us at [email protected].
August 4 2024
3:30 p.m. PT: All Parking Gates Open
5:30 p.m. PT: Stadium Gates Open
5:30 p.m. PT: Galaxy Express Shuttle Service Begins Running
5:30 p.m. PT: SoccerFest Begins
7:30 p.m. PT: LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers ¡ChivaHermano! Elige otro país o región para ver contenido específico del equipo más querido de México.
The moment of truth has arrived for Guadalajara in the Leagues Cup, as they must beat the LA Galaxy this Sunday afternoon at the Dignity Health Sports Park to advance to the next round. The match will not be easy at all, as the MLS team is coming to this match with a good rhythm, however, the Rebaño has worked to attack the opponent's weak points and be able to win the match.
How are they coming into this match?- Chivas is coming off a 1-1 draw against San Jose at Levi's Stadium. In addition, the team coached by Fernando Gago is coming into this match with 3 matches without defeat, between Liga MX and Leagues Cup.
- The Galaxy defeated San José 2-1 and currently lead the group. With this victory, the California side secured their ticket to the next round.
What does Chivas need to advance to the next round?- In order to advance to the next round, Guadalajara needs to win the match or tie and score the extra point on penalties. In other words, to score more than 1 point in the match against the Galaxy.
Who are the players called up for this match?- CLICK HERE and find out who the Rojiblanco coach has chosen for this match,
Where to watch this match live?- If you want to know which channels will be broadcasting this match, CLICK HERE and find out.
Did you know?- This will be the third time that Chivas and the Galaxy meet in an official competition. The balance is even, as the Americans won the Concachampions in 1997, while the Rebaño came out on top in the Superliga in 2007.
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In the last 5 matches that Guadalajara visited the Galaxy's home, they won 4 and drew 1.
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Javier Hernández, Daniel Aguirre and Leonardo Sepúlveda are the players from the current squads who have worn both jerseys. COG STUDIOS, Calif. — The LA Galaxy are already through to the next round of the Leagues Cup after they beat the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night. But they now face an “away” game at Dignity Health Sports Park with Chivas. How important is that game?
On tonight’s show, hosts Josh Guesman and Eric Vieira discuss the Galaxy’s dispatch of the Quakes and their overpowering success versus their Cali-Clasico rivals. They’ll also discuss unsung hero Miki Yamane and MVP talks that don’t include Riqui Puig or Gabriele Pec.
The guys will dive into the next match with Chivas and tell you why it doesn’t mean anything. Plus, how many games do the Galaxy want to play in Leagues Cup, the return of Gaston Brugman, and some transfer news that doesn’t include Marco Reus.
Let’s dive into a busy week for the Galaxy.
Corner of the Galaxy is kicking off Season 16, just a few shows past show no. 1,100! And we can’t wait to show you everything we’ve got in store for 2024!
Exciting changes are in store for Corner of the Galaxy! We’re unveiling a brand new anthem, composed by Ray Plaza, and a refreshed look and feel for the podcast. Get ready for a fresh and engaging experience!
This is just a reminder that we go live twice a week — Monday and Thursday at 8 PM on YouTube—and that you can find us conveniently anywhere you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, GooglePlay, etc.). We’re making it easy for you to stay connected!
So tell a friend that you’ve been listening to the longest-running team-specific podcast in Major League Soccer and that 2024 is a great time to start listening!
