LAFC Vs LA Galaxy: 3 things we learned – Diego Rossi domination

Seattle Sounders, MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Seattle Sounders, MLS, LAFC, Diego Rossi (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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LAFC, Diego Rossi
LAFC, Diego Rossi (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

On Saturday night, LAFC powered their way to a 6-2 victory over the LA Galaxy thanks to four goals from Diego Rossi. Here are three things we learned.

Goals rained down on Saturday night in Florida as Los Angeles FC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy in a thumping 6-2 victory. The rivals put on an offensive showcase that was ultimately dominated by LAFC. A tightly contested first half ended 2-2, but the match turned into a rout in the second half with LAFC scoring four unanswered goals in a blistering display of attacking brilliance.

Diego Rossi scored four of LAFC’s six goals,  the most goals scored by a player in this rivalry in a single match performance to date, while Bradley Wright-Phillips notched the second LAFC goal of his career.

With their first victory in the MLS is Back Tournament in the books, LAFC enter the last matchday in second place, where they face leaders, the Portland Timbers. For the Galaxy, their hopes of advancing are all but gone.

Here are three things we learned.

REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 18: Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy battles for the ball with Eddie Segura #4 of Los Angeles FC in the first half during the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 18, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 18: Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy battles for the ball with Eddie Segura #4 of Los Angeles FC in the first half during the MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 18, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

3. Galaxy can’t match LAFC’s offensive power

Javier Hernandez’s absence in this match was always going to be problematic. Even though the Galaxy were able to stay in the match in the first half, and at times even looked like the better side, they were always going to have to match LAFC in the offensive department, and without their star Designated Player, that would be difficult.

Chicharito’s absence caused the Galaxy to rely heavily on Cristian Pavon and Sebastian Lletget for the goals. Both of these players are not natural strikers, which meant Pavon would have to go from provider to goalscorer. He did very well in the first half to take the reins and generate chances, but the chances began to dry up as time went on.

Ultimately, LAFC had more than just Diego Rossi to lead the charge. Yes, he scored four goals, but their offensive threat was varied, coming from multiple players throughout the team. The Galaxy meanwhile, had Pavon and Pavon only, and that was always going to be a major issue.