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LAFC Vs Real Salt Lake: 3 things we learned – Walker Zimmerman’s must-see stunner takes LA by storm

By Daniel Garza

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: Walker Zimmerman #25 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his game winning goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 23: Walker Zimmerman #25 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his game winning goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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LAFC, Real Salt Lake, Walker Zimmerman
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 23: Walker Zimmerman #25 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his game winning goal during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

On Saturday, LAFC continued their late dramatics with a win against Real Salt Lake thanks to a Walker Zimmerman stunner. Here are three things we learned from the 2-1 victory.

Saturday’s highly anticipated rematch of the Western Conference playoff match-up between Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake from last season most certainly lived up to its billing. LAFC and Real Salt Lake produced a memorable match for the home supporters at Banc of California Stadium.

It was a back-and-forth contest that had late heroics, controversy, and an ill-timed red card. Real Salt Lake grabbed the lead first through a spot kick conversion from Damir Kreilach. LAFC then followed with a goal from Diego Rossi and pushed for the winner.

Related Story. New York Red Bulls Vs Orlando City: 3 things we learned. light

In the end, the hero of the day was Walker Zimmerman, who produced a moment of magic when he blasted in a shot from outside the box that found the top corner of the net.

Here are three things we learned from the enthralling match.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 23: Eduard Atuesta #20 of Los Angeles FC battles Kyle Beckerman #5 of Real Salt Lake during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 23: Eduard Atuesta #20 of Los Angeles FC battles Kyle Beckerman #5 of Real Salt Lake during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

3. LAFC continue to make life difficult for opposing sides

Consistent possession and passing are one of the staples of the LAFC offense. And it gives every team it faces a proper test. Saturday night was no exception as Real Salt Lake got extremely frustrated and were unable to match the pace LAFC boasts in their attack.

In this match, LAFC had 67.5% possession, had an 87% pass accuracy rate, a massive 17% higher than that of RSL, and outpassed their opponents, 597 to 297. They are Barcelona-esque numbers, indicative of the wearing-down, possession-based style that Bob Bradley has installed.

LAFC also did not panic in this match, even when going one-goal down, and stuck to their style which paid off in the end. Thus far, there has yet to be a club that has been able to silence the high-powered offensive. These opening four matches are the perfect example of why LAFC is a contender for the Supporters’ Shield in 2019.

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