LAFC Dominate With Thrilling Victory
For the first time in a long time LAFC finally looked like its former dominant self. A team that would step on the gas and never let go of it until they got the victory. The last time LAFC looked this well was when they played Sporting Kansas City back on September 3rd. Brian Rodriguez got the scoring started in the 20th minute. After a beautiful through ball by Raheem Edwards that split two Sounder defenders, Rodriguez nutmegged the goalkeeper Frei and scored. It would be a calm first half up until the second minute of added time. Where once again Raheem Edwards sent a through ball, this time to the right flank. Where Kim Moon-hwan would center the ball into the box. There the ball would take a deflection off Chicho Arangos’s back and fall perfectly for Latif Blessing. From there all Latif did was tap the ball in and give LAFC a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half Analysis
Once play resumed Seattle was close to scoring on back to back plays. The first came off a set piece where defender Nouhou Tolo had his header hit the crossbar. After a clearance by LAFC defenders the following corner kick was played back quickly where a cross came to Freddy Montero who was denied by goalkeeper Jamal Blackman. He would play a pivotal role in LAFC’s victory. Then in the 51st Chicho made it 3-0. His shot was deflected off defender Xavier Arreaga’s leg making it impossible for Stefan Frei to react quick enough and try to make the save. LAFC would go on and win the game 3-0 with a dominating performance, giving us fans some confidence that they can make it to the playoffs. This match would also include the return of Carlos Vela. He entered in the 78th minute only playing 18 total minutes.
Have LAFC Found Their Keeper
Tyler Miller, Pablo Sisniega, Tomas Romero, Kenneth Vermeer and now Jamal Blackman are just some of the names that have played under the three posts for LAFC. Jamal Blackman has been a critical component down this stretch and helping LAFC get into a playoff spot, for now. Bringing safety in the back, something the club has struggled with. Last night Blackman was once again critical with four important game changing saves. Stopping a header from Montero in the 46th minute, that would have made the game score 2-1 instead they go on and score a couple of minutes later. Then in the 73rd minute another terrific save this time it was a one on one and Blackman blocked the shot sending it to a corner. Six minutes later it would be a shot from Lodeiro swerving away from Blackman but he was able to put a fingertip and send it over the crossbar. The final save came in the 93rd minute. An easy dive to Blackman‘s left hand side.
