Three takeaways from LAFC’s win over Austin FC.
Los Angeles FC’s three-match road trip came to an end on Wednesday night as they defeated Austin FC 2-0. Goals from Jose Cifuentes and Diego Rossi propelled the visitors to their fifth win of the 2021 Major League Soccer season. Here are three takeaways from LAFC and their victory:
The first winning streak of the year
LAFC has won back-to-back games for the first time this season. After defeating Real Salt Lake just a few nights ago, they were able to recover from that effort to register another victory. These two wins have certainly improved their position in the Western Conference table as they currently occupy fifth place.
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With a ten-day break before their next league fixture, the Western Conference club heads into their weekend off in great form. Three of their four remaining games in July will be at home and this will offer the opportunity for LAFC to add to their win total this month.
One of the impressive statistics from this win streak is that both victories were clean sheets. LAFC only had three clean sheets last season and they have already bettered that tally with four clean sheets recorded so far this season.
Cifuentes delivers another crucial goal for LAFC
Another key goal was scored by Cifuentes. The midfielder registered the game-winning goal against RSL and was back on the scoresheet against Austin. His first-half goal was his fourth goal of the season and he is now tied with Rossi for the team lead in goals scored.
LAFC has not lost a match in which Cifuentes has found the back of the net. The 22-year-old scored in the first meeting with Austin which resulted in a 2-0 win for LAFC. Against the Houston Dynamo, he scored the lone goal in a 1-1 draw, and then there was the aforementioned game-winner against RSL. He has certainly provided an impact for the club so far this season.
Rossi ends scoring drought
Rossi brought his five-match goal drought to an end on Wednesday night. His second-half goal was his first MLS goal since May 22nd. Although he may not be off to the prolific start he displayed last season, there’s still time for Rossi to get back into the race for the Golden Boot. He is currently six goals adrift from Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Raul Ruidiaz but a few multi-goal performances in the future could see Rossi close the gap as he looks to defend his title as the league’s top scorer.