The sixth “El Tráfico” match-up between crosstown rivals LAFC and LA Galaxy takes place Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium in the MLS Western Conference Semifinals. Banc of California Stadium is located just a short walk through Expo Park from the Expo Line Expo Park/USC Station. Round-trip fare is just $3.50 and beats dealing with traffic (Thursday evening is the worst time to drive, by the way) and the high cost of parking around Exposition Park.

Metro will also debut special edition LAFC Metro Bikes on Thursday. The LAFC Metro Bike dock will be located in the northeast plaza outside of the stadium prior to the game where fans can take photos with the bikes. Fans can also rent out or return their Metro Bike at the kiosk. Rides on Metro Bikes are $1.75 every half hour. Pick up a Metro Bike at any of the 100 plus Metro Bike Share stations in Central and Downtown LA. Use the station map online and in the app to find stations and bikes near you.

Metro riders can receive 10% off hats by showing their valid TAP Card at LAFC HQ.

Metro Bike – LAFC special edition.

Go Metro to watch @LAFC’s first playoff game of the season vs. the Galaxy tomorrow night at Banc of California Stadium. Use Expo Park/USC Station to access all the action. pic.twitter.com/kAAaA769iK

— LA Metro (@metrolosangeles) October 23, 2019

Thursday’s game marks first time the teams have met in the MLS Cup playoffs and the stakes have never been higher.

MLS restructured its postseason this year and introduced one-game knockout playoffs, meaning that unlike during the regular season or in a two-leg playoff, there can be no ties. The winner moves ahead to the MLS Western Conference Finals and continues their quest for the MLS Cup. The loser goes home.

MLS Cup playoff bracket

LAFC is in its second year as a franchise — and despite an outstanding 2019 campaign — has not yet won a game (0-2-3) against their pedigreed rival from Carson. The Galaxy beat Minnesota United during the first round playoffs on Sunday night. LAFC are coming off two weeks of rest after earning a first round bye.

LAFC’s Carlos Vela and LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic were in a battle for the regular season goalscoring leader during the regular season, which Vela won while setting an MLS record with 34 goals on the year.

The performance of the two team captains often dictates the final result of the match — and Ibrahimovic notoriously performs well during these high-pressure rivalry games.

There is also this: LAFC or the Galaxy perhaps represents the best chance for an L.A. area team to hoist a championship trophy in the nearish future.