An Unlikely Hero Wins it For LAFC
Pre-match and First Half Analysis
The choice to play this game on a Friday evening was a little surprising, but nonetheless it lived up to the hype as it usually does. Being MLS Rivalry weekend it saw both LA teams fight for city pride. With the Galaxy having won the two previous encounters another loss for LAFC would not sit well with the directors and fans. So in a sense this was a must win match for the home side. There would also be a Gareth Bale sighting at the Banc of California. Gareth was unofficially presented to the fans adding a slight bit of pressure for the home team.
Now it was game time and three points would surely help make it a fine evening at the Banc. It wouldn’t take long for the scoring to start and in the 17th Jose Cifuentes opened up the scoring. A well executed corner kick along with some poor Galaxy defending saw and open Cifuentes in the middle of the box get an open header. He would not miss from point blank range and at that moment gave the home team the lead. It looked like it would be a typical El Trafico as just two minutes later some poor LAFC defending almost allowed the Galaxy to tie the game. As Joveljić would almost tie the game after being left one-on-one against Crepeau. Thankfully Crepeau got a strong hand on it and denied Joveljić the tie. This save allowed LAFC to go into the half up by a goal.
Second Half Analysis
The second half would provide a lot more excitement as the game would be tied quickly. In the 55th minute a goal from the Galaxy leveled this game and the demons from before looked like they would arise. However this time it would be different as LAFC went on to dominate the next 20 minutes in hopes of regaining the lead. In the 62nd minute a chance by Hollingshead almost returned the lead to the Black and Gold. It would take a great save from Jonathan Bond to deny a second LAFC goal. Still LAFC put on even more pressure and was looking for the go ahead goal. Then in the 69th minute Jose Cifuentes would get his brace! Vela would shoot on goal and Cifuentes would stick his head in a move the trajectory of the ball. Burying it in the back of the net and giving LAFC the lead once again. Just three minutes later LAFC would add another goal and seal the win for them. Again the combination of Vela and Arango would link up and deliver a third goal. The best part of the goal was seeing Chiellini celebrate with his teammates. The Italian was on the bench but his debut will have to wait. Now they would have a two goal margin to defend in order to get three points. They would bend by giving up another goal but they would not break. Ultimately the game would end 3-2 in favor of LAFC and would walk away winners of El Trafico. Marking this game another all time classic and now they won’t meet in the regular season. They could meet again in the playoffs but that is still a while away. Overall, a tremendous win for the Black and Gold on their home turf!
Gareth Bale Presentation
On Monday, July 1th LAFC officially welcomed Gareth Bale as the newest member of LAFC. The Welshman is joining the club after having won 5 Champions League with Real Madrid and having a successful time in Europe. One thing that he stated was that playing in the MLS won’t be a vacation. He is here to help the team win trophies while also preparing himself for the World Cup this upcoming November. He has already begun training with the club and looks to make his debut in their upcoming match against Nashville SC. Gareth brings experience and versatility to this club and he is a great addition to hopefully help put LAFC over e edge and win a MLS Cup.
