No Rest for The Champions
While the majority of leagues across the world are on the international break, LAFC keeps on trucking with their hectic schedule. This time they would face off against Western Conference rivals FC Dallas. Both clubs entered the game tied wit 7 points a piece and seperated by one place. Even with a couple of key players missing for LAFC they would be the clear favorites to win this matchup.
1st Half Thoughts
The Black and Gold would waste no time getting on the scoreboard as it only took them two minutes and fourteen seconds to take the lead! A poor clearance from the Dallas keeper allowed Opoku to steal the ball. From there it would fall to Timothy Tillman who rifled a shot across goal. Easily making it 1-0 for the home team. LAFC would remain relentless the first 15 minutes. As they applied nonstop pressure to Dallas’s defensive line. With the rough start to the game for Dallas they had trouble gaining any momentum. However, FC Dallas looked like they had equalized the game in the 17th minute. VAR ultimatley overuled their goal as an offside was called. It would go from bad to worse for FC Dallas. As in the 33rd minute they would recieve a red card. Twumasi made a harsh challange on Sergi Palencia and originally recieved a yellow card. After a VAR review it was scaled up to a red card. It would be a dominate first half from the Black and Gold but they would go into the break up by the minimum.
2nd Half Thoughts
LAFC entered the second half with a little more complacency. Being up a goal and a player meant the club could take it a little more relaxed. The minutes went on and LAFC had a couple opportunities to extend their lead but just couldn’t. LAFC seemed to be in control of the match and would make some substitutions to try and seal the victory. Bringing in Aaron Long along with Denis Bouanga. Then in the 73rd minute tragedy struck for the Black and Gold. As a set piece allowed FC Dallas to tie the game.After a series or rebounds in the box, Tafari got a foot on the loose ball and buried it int back of the net. Giving the visiting team hope that they could walk away from BMO Stadium with at least a point. With this shocking goal LAFC awoke from their second half slumber and put the pedal to the metal. As just six minutes later they would get a penalty. Once again VAR was involved as initially the referee didnt call a foul on Vela inside the box. It would be Vela’s opportunity to give the home side the lead. Unfortunately, he would not be able to do so as he missed his shit. Having it go off the crossbar and keeping the game tied at one a piece. Despite the miss LAFC kept attacking and they would find the go ahead goal. Denis Bouanga would capitalize off a corner kick giving LAFC the lead and ultimatley the win for them.
Takeaways From This Win
While this was an exciting win for the Black and Gold, there are still many aspects the club needs to work on. Obviously its going to be difficult to find a balance with all the competitions they are in. Tonight showed just how tough it could be even with the player advantage. LAFC were not critical on goal and struggled to play collectively. However, these are also the games that champisonship caliber teams need to win. Which is exactly what the Black and Gold did. Even with the quick start LAFC fell to a complacent level that nearly cost them the match. They lacked urgency tonight and showed that perhaps they do need a natural striker. As they had issues capitalizing clear chances when they were near goal. Nonetheless, they were able to escape with a narrow victory and find themselves in 3rd place behind St. Louis and Seattle. LAFC should be thankful as VAR was on their side throughout the night. Without VAR LAFC would probably have drawn and dropped huge points. Now LAFC will now head off to Colorado to take on the Rapids next Saturday. They won’t return home until April 8th when they face off against Austin FC. Their first matchup since LAFC defeated them in the Western Conference Finals last year. With this soild start LAFC is setting up for big things this season!
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