LAFC Play Some Tunes in Nashville
Sunday, July 17th will go down as a historic day not only for LAFC but all of MLS. For that was the day Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale both made their debuts for LAFC. It would not be a walk n he park as Nashville has been one of the better teams this season. Giorgio would be paired with Jesus Murillo and the game would flow through the two defenders. LAFC played to Giorgio’s strength as he would be more of a distributor when the team played out the back. It would be a solid showing for Chiellini and as he gets more reps in he will surely return to form.
The Black and Gold would have tough task ahead of them and playing at Geodis park is nothing simple. Both teams would be a deadlock and had their opportunities to score. It wouldn’t be until the 27th minute when Chicho Arango opened up the scoring. A perfectly threaded ball by Hollingshead allowed Chicho to get through the defense and get a shot on goal. It wouldn’t be without drama as the ball slowly rolled passed Joe Willis and the defense. Nonetheless the goal was good and LAFC led. In the 43rd minute a penalty help Nashville level the match. It would be Mukhtar who stepped up to the spot and tied the game just before the half.
Cifuentes Stays Red Hot
It wouldn’t take long for LAFC to once again regain the lead. In just 40 seconds the Black and Gold retook the via Jose Cifuentes. The Ecuadorian has been on fire scoring three goals in the past two matches. Here he would deliver the game winning goal. What was also special was the fact that during the week he gave up his number 11 to Gareth Bale. Transitioning into the number 20 and showing that it doesn’t matter what number he has, he is still an exceptional talent. Then in the 72nd minute the moment LAFC fans were waiting for occurred. Gareth Bale was giving the green light and he would make his MLS debut. Coming on for Chicho Arango, Bale was slotted on the right wing and Vela in the center. Bale had a few nice touches but like Chiellini he needs the extra reps to get back into rhythm. Overall, it was a great team win and the hope is that the new stars can click and help deliver a title to Los Angeles.
