LAFC Handle Their Business in Cincinnati
The Black and Gold would march into TQL stadium for the first time in their young MLS lifespan. However, this would be the second ever meeting between these two clubs. The last time they battled was all the way back in 2019. LAFC has the upper hand with a lone victory and looked to add another. It would not be an easy task as FC Cincinnati would make it complicated for the club pushing them until the very final minutes. This gritty win is exactly what LAFC needed and it proves that they are capable of turning a game on its head at any moment. This grit is what was missing in their loss to the Galaxy, and many will be thrilled to see that they are capable of mounting a comeback.
A Tale of Two Halves
LAFC would have a slow start in this game and ultimately had two shots on target in the first half. Cincinnati would have a dominating first half but just could not get on the board adding to the frustrations. Cincinnati’s attack was relentless, putting pressure on LAFC’s defense throughout the first half. They would finally get the goal they were looking for just before the break. A dangerous pass from the back by Crepeau put Ilie Sanchez in quite the predicament and he would have the ball poked away from him. Falling to Brenner just outside the 18 yard box, he would lay it off for Luciano Acosta. Who would then sidestep a defender and bury the ball in the back of the net. Showing once again that LAFC’s defending is still a work in progress.
Kellyn Acosta Gets his First LAFC Goal
In the second half LAFC was out on a mission to try and tie and possibly get the victory. Just 35 seconds in, Chicho had the opportunity to tie the game but a great save denied the attacker from grabbing another goal. Frustration was reaching an all time high for the team in this game until the 59th minute. After a corner kick that was not cleared by the Cincinnati defense, the ball would fall to Acosta on the outskirts of the 18 yard box. With one powerful strike from Acosta’s left foot he would tie the game. Then in the 79th minute LAFC’s midfield would put pressure on the defense and win a ball in the midfield. Latif Blessing would put a through ball for Vela would pass it back into the center to Musovski. Where he buried it into the top corner and would get the eventual game winning goal.
A Big Task Scheduled for This Weekend
LAFC will now return home to the Banc as they will face off against one their biggest foes, the Minnesota United. This will be one of the team’s tougher challenges in this young season. However it will also make for one of the best games of the weekend. Minnesota has had a slow start but they always make games close. It will be a battle of two heavyweights. It will be a good measuring stick for the club as they have the opportunity to prove why they are currently the best team in MLS so far. No doubt it will be a must watch game for fans of the Black and Gold and the support will definitely be needed at the Banc!
