LAFC Loses The First El Trafico of The Season

LAFC stormed into Carson, CA to take on city rivals in the season’s first El Trafico. The Angelinos entered undefeated and first in the Western Conference. While the Galaxy have had an up and down season so far. The win last week against Portland gave them confidence coming into this match. That confidence would be show right from the get-go. An aggressiveness was shown from the Galaxy that LAFC had difficulty matching. The Black and Gold have struggled and the record shows, in 14 games; LAFC has six losses, five draws, and only three wins. It’s time for LAFC to take a big step and get victories away from the Banc in these situations.     

LAFC Come Out Soft In The First Half

LAFC started the game with an arrogance that would look like if they had already won the match. Galaxy would mount pressure and force LAFC into some childish errors but they would not pay for it. Until the 13th minute when a cross from former LAFC midfielder Raheem Edwards. He would find Chicharito’s head and he would give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead. After a blunder from the Galaxy defense Vela would get the ball by the 18 yard line and had an easy one-on-one against Jonathan Bond that could’ve tied the game. However Vela would go on and miss hitting the post. This would be a golden opportunity  that would play a huge role in the team’s defeat. Then in the 31st minute more defensive miscues caused LAFC to go down 2-0 as Sega Coulibaly would put the ball in the net.

LAFC Tried To Comeback but Fell Short 

In the second half LAFC came out strong but a tight offside disallowed Vela from getting LAFC on the board. More back and forth madness would ensue and by the 55th minute LAFC was desperate to get a goal back. Playing most of their players up high and pressing would open up the wings for the Galaxy and they would attempt multiple counter attacks and would come close to getting the third goal. LAFC would stay persistent but inaccurate strikes and great saves from Bond would deny the Black and Gold until the 78th minute. When Vela would get a shot off that deflected off Bond’s leg. However it would lie in the area and be an easy tap-in for Chicho Arango. He would bring life to LAFC in the final minutes of the match. LAFC had one last opportunity in the 96th minute and thought they would walk out of Carson with at least a point. A scramble in the area saw the ball pass by players and eventually be put in the back of the net by Blessing. However VAR would have another look at the play and determine that before the pass back into the area a LAFC  player was offside ending the game 2-1 in favor of the Galaxy. 

LAFC Return Home

After this embarrassing defeat LAFC will return back home as they will host Sporting KC on Easter. Still leading the western conference with 13 points they are now closely followed by the Galaxy who have 12 points. As of now Sporting KC has not had the best start to the 2022 season. As they find themselves in 12th place with only 6 points. However, LAFC cannot get too comfortable as KC has been a huge thorn in their side. A victory is the only result fans want this upcoming weekend. The softness shown last week by LAFC has not sat well with the fans. A repeat performance of last week is not an option for The Black and Gold.