Ismael Tajouri-Shradi Debuts With The Black and Gold
LAFC marched into Fort Lauderdale to take on David Beckham’s Inter Miami in a matchup that had it all. In the 45th minute the action would ramp up as Kwadwo Opoku would open up the scoring. The game would go from bad to worse for Inter Miami. Brian Rodriguez was just about to get a breakaway into a one on one chance with the goalkeeper. However, he would be fouled by Miami defender Brek Shea. The referee would give Shea a red card as he denied a clear goal scoring opportunity. Shea was also the last man in between Rodriguez and the goalkeeper. This would be all for the first half as LAFC went up 1-0. They would also have the advantage as they would play the second half up a man.
Inter Miami has not been the team that Beckham had promised the fans and once again it would show in this game. In the 70th minute Vela would once again come out of the match as a precaution, he was in doubt for this game. He would make way for one of their new signings Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. Shradi would make his debut with LAFC this weekend. Twelve minutes later Shradi would get his first goal with the club. A free kick from Shradi that was taken beautifully, he curled it into the box. No defender would be able to get to it for fear of scoring an own goal. Another one of the offseason signings who has made a tremendous impact has been Ilie Sánchez, the midfielder who earned team of the week honors after his magisterial performance this past weekend. He has been an exceptional player and brings balance to this team. Making him one of the better acquisitions the team has had in its short history.
Thriving Under Cherundolo
What Cherundolo has done so far with the club has been very impressive! Currently he has this team undefeated with two wins and one draw and they currently sit at the top of the Western Conference. While it is only the beginning of the season and the road is long and treacherous, Cherundolo has provided the confidence needed to lead the team. He will face his toughest task in two weeks. Where he will make his El Trafico debut against cross town rivals LA Galaxy. While it might not be a make or break situation, he has to definitely show out and look good in that matchup.
