Despite a challenging start to the season, LAFC managed to secure a significant victory over their rivals, LA Galaxy, with a 2-1 scoreline at the BMO Stadium. This win has brought them within two points of their adversaries, marking a crucial turning point in the season.
Although LA Galaxy is having a good start, they couldn’t beat LAFC away. LAFC has a chance to finish above if they beat Portland Timbers since the LA Galaxy is going away to face Vancouver, which is at the top of the Western Conference.
Timothy Tillman, who was Man of the Match, scored in the 4th minute with a tap-in goal, his third goal of the season. Denis Bouanga also got on the scoresheet by scoring a penalty after a controversial penalty, sending LAFC to fifth place.
Although LAFC won, let’s dive in on how LAFC managed to win against the LA Galaxy.
LAFC Brilliant Defensive Performance
Under the strategic guidance of manager Steve Cherundolo, LAFC adopted a defensive stance for the majority of the game. Despite having less possession and completing 320 passes compared to LA Galaxy’s 676, the Black and Gold’s compact playstyle proved effective, daring their rivals to break them down.
LA Galaxy’s attempts to break through LAFC’s defense were thwarted, largely due to the commendable performances of LAFC players Jesus Murillo, Aaron Long, and Ryan Hollingshead at the back. Despite these standout performances, it was Timothy Tillman who was awarded the Man of the Match.
LAFC’s game plan was excellent. The Black and Gold managed to stop LA Galaxy’s tricky wingers, which was a big test and slowed down Riqui Puig with fouls and tackles. Despite the equalizer from Galaxy through Julián Aude, LAFC won in the end.
Performance Goes Out of the Window
El Trafico is about something other than the best performances; it is about how you play them. The form goes out the window. LAFC can be in last place and beat LA Galaxy, and vice versa. A team can go down to nine men and win the game.
LAFC players know what El Trafico means to LAFC fans. The players must perform and show their rivals what they are made of, whether they play home or away. And LAFC showed on Saturday that they still have something in their locker despite their worst start in their history.
LAFC needs to keep its momentum going from now on, play a different style against Portland Timbers on Saturday, and finish higher in the table.
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