Chiellini Press Introduction
June 29th 2022 will go down as a historic day for LAFC. For it was the day that Giorgio Chiellini was presented as the newest member of LAFC. The veteran defender during his conference stated how excited he was to join the team. He expressed a tremendous amount of gratitude to the front office. Chiellini stated that he was not here for a vacation and wanted to compete for titles. A member of the media asked Chiellini how he felt on many stars that join the league are attackers and hardly any defenders. Chiellini responded by saying “Attackers sell tickets, but defense wins the league.” Which perfectly summarizes the mentality that Chiellini will bring to the club. A very playful Chiellini also joked around as to why they even brought him to LA. As according to him “The club already has a top defender” referencing the highly talented Mamadou Fall.
Chiellini also stated that he will be ready whenever the club needs him. “Whether it be in two weeks, three weeks or four weeks I will be ready” said the Italian defender. He could make his MLS debut on July 8th against the Galaxy. Making it also his home debut, in one of the most electrifying matches in MLS ‘El Trafico.’ What a way to debut in front of your fans that would be. Overall the atmosphere for the presentation was amazing, you can feel the excitement and LAFC fans are getting a true professional.
LAFC Battle Against FC Dallas
Once the press conference ended LAFC would get to business as they would take on 4th place FC Dallas in a Western Conference battle. It would be an entertaining game as both clubs looked to scale up in the positions. LAFC would open up the scoring with a goal in the 23rd minute by Danny Musovski. It looked like LAFC would cruise into the half with the lead. However, Jesus Ferreira had something to say. He would level the game at the 38th minute and both teams went into the break tied at 1.
It would not take long for LAFC to once again retake the lead and in the 57th minute Chicho Arango would break the deadlock. This would be the Columbian’s 6th goal this season and his fourth goal in a row. LAFC managed to keep the game in their favor as FC Dallas seemed to have lost some steam and could not tie the game once again. In the 87th minute a powerful strike by Mahala Opoku sealed the game in favor of the Black and Gold. Giving the club a two goal advantage. With this LAFC would go on and win the match by a final score of 3-1 and put them on top of the league with 36 points. They would then go on and travel to Canada to take on the Whitecaps over the weekend.
LAFC Travel Up North to Vancouver
After their 3-1 victory against Dallas, LAFC had the difficult task of traveling three days later to take on the Whitecaps. Vancouver would enter the match fresh off a week long rest so already they had the advantage. However, LAFC with an alternative lineup battled throughout the game and was mere minutes away from walking away with a draw. The first half would end with both teams squared at 0-0. Then in the second half you could notice the fatigue setting in. Passes weren’t as sharp, the attacking wasn’t so cohesive as we have seen and LAFC slowly started backing up. Trying to defend the draw. For the most part it looked like they had secured a point but in the 88th minute was when disaster struck. Ilie Sanchez, one of the teams best players this season, wanted to play out the back and unfortunatley gave the ball away o Andres Cubas. With that giveaway Cubas would shoot from just outside the 18 yard box and sneak it by a full extend Maxime Crepeau. Giving the Whitecaps a late goal and pretty sealing the victory for the home side.
What’s Next for LAFC
Vancouver has become another headache for the Black and Gold. Especially playing at Vancouver as they have only won there twice since coming into the league. With this loss LAFC continues to have the best record in MLS with 36 points. They will get about six days to rest and prepare for rivalry week. When on Friday July 8th LAFC will host their cross town rivals the LA Galaxy for another version of El Trafico. While the the MLOS transfer window opens up on July 7th, LAFC could possibly count on their star signings to debut. However, it may be to short of a window for both Bale and Chiellini to debut so they could perhaps watch this game from the stands. This team will only get better and it seems like its MLS Cup or bust for them this season.
