LAFC: LAFC leave strong first impression, beat Sounders on the road
LAFC’s inaugural foray into MLS began in Seattle, where they pulled off the upset of against he Seattle Sounders. Here’s what that means.
LAFC fans do not have to wait any longer for the teams first one as the club pulled off the 1-0 win in rainy Seattle. The match finished well-played from both squads. Diego Rossi scored for the matches lone goal.
CenturyLink Field was bumping as usual all match long. The home field advantage is definitely felt right from opening kick off.
LAFC scored early to set a positive tone for not only the game but the franchise. Carlos Vela played a brilliant match as well. He executed a nearly flawless pass to set up the first and eventual only goal.
Related Story: 5 Things Learned In LAFC's Win Over Seattle
His soccer ID is off the charts. Vela is already showing the continent why he can succeed in the MLS.
Tyler Miller left a mark in his return to Seattle. Making a series of great saves to keep the Sounders scoreless.
That said, Seattle beat LAFC in almost every statistical category. They controlled the ball most of the game and were able to rally off 22 total shots.
We learned that LAFC is not going to be messing around . They have a very real chance to break the narrative that expansion teams typically struggle. Their talented offensive players and ability to clear the ball were too much for the Sounders to overcome.
LAFC’s quest to hold the lead became slightly easier when a red card forced Seattle to play the last 7 minutes or so with just 10 men. The offensive attack was still there but the 10 men ending set the tone for how the game was destined to end.
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LAFC only recorded five shots but were able to pull off the upset. LAFC being a good road team is essential as they play a long stretch of games on the road to start the 2018 campaign. The road win for an expansion team is a rarity in the MLS. It almost never happens. Something truly great happened in this game.
As for the Sounders, they will probably be fine. It was just an off game for them. It is too early in the season to be concerned for them.
This win means more for LAFC than the loss does for Seattle. The win sets a great tone for the franchise. These road wins might be very difficult to come by as the season chugs along.
But right now, and on paper, this LA team looks like it can go down as one of the better expansion teams.
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What a day and win for LAFC and their fans.