LAFC: Brian Rodriguez shines in resounding victory over the Whitecaps
By Daniel Garza
Brian Rodriguez produced a fantastic performance against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
It was a resounding victory for Los Angeles FC on Wednesday night as they defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 6-0. There was an onslaught of goals in the opening 32 minutes and 13 seconds of the match as LAFC recorded five goals. It will go down as the shortest period of time a club in Major League Soccer has reached five goals since kickoff. They narrowly broke the record set by fellow Western Conference club Seattle Sounders who reached five goals in 32 minutes and 43 seconds just 13 days prior.
Brian Rodriguez shines for LAFC
Three of the six goals LAFC recorded were the result of a Brian Rodriguez cross. Two of the crosses ended up being own goals as they were deflected in by defenders. However, the fact they were own goals should not take away from the fact the Uruguayan playmaker was a dangerous threat on the wing. He registered his seventh assist of the season when he set up Dejan Jakovic’s opening goal. As a result, Rodriguez remains near the top of the league leaders in assists.
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Although he may not be finding the back of the net on a consistent basis, Rodriguez’s assist production is a vital component of LAFC’s attack. This match was a perfect example of what he can do when he is able to produce that final pass needed to register a goal. If Rogriguez can build off this performance and help deliver more goals in the coming weeks then LAFC should be able to qualify for the playoffs with ease.
Moving up the table
The wild and wacky Western Conference table changed once more as LAFC move up into sixth place with this victory. LAFC entered this fixture level on points with the Whitecaps and were in need of a win to gain separation. Having accomplished a three-point gap to the clubs outside of the top eight, they will need to keep their foot on the gas to gain further separation from the rest of the field.
Another three points against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday could potentially see LAFC move up even further in the table. The Earthquakes are a club struggling for goals and wins. However, LAFC can’t enter this match with a mindset that they have already won. Winning 6-0 against the Whitecaps was a fantastic result but they cannot let their guard down against the Earthquakes in a match they will be heavily favored to win.
Wright-Phillips and Rossi add to their goal total
It was a great performance from Bradley Wright-Phillips as the veteran goal-scorer recorded a first-half brace. His two goals increase his season total to seven goals. Thus far, it’s been a terrific campaign for Wright-Phillps. After an injury-filled 2019 season, he’s rediscovered his goal-scoring form and has remerged as one of the top strikers in MLS. There’s bound to be plenty of more goals and top class finishes from the Englishman in the weeks to come.
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Diego Rossi was able to add to his goal-scoring total and extend his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. However, his two-goal advantage in the Golden Boot race remains in danger of being surpassed on each matchday. Rossi has the opportunity to potentially extend his lead even farther against the Earthquakes on Sunday. For this reason, it will be crucial for him to score in this upcoming fixture to try and gain a larger advantage from the likes of Gyasi Zardes and Raul Ruidiaz.