Los Angeles FC is back
Los Angeles FC defended Banc of California Stadium on Saturday night with a 2-1 win over a difficult and gritty Real Salt Lake, a win that perhaps shows that the black and gold are ready to make a run up the MLS table.
An early goal by Diego Rossi in the 10th minute gave the home side an early lead. Real Salt Lake would equalize against the run of play in the 18th minute with an Aaron Herrera goal. But Los Angeles FC showed tremendous resolve, dominating the match and finding their winner in the 79th minute from star striker Carlos Vela.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
And for Los Angeles FC, it was a huge result, a third straight win as their struggles to start the season seem a thing of the past for the club.
“The most important win is the next one. That’s how it works, LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said.
“I think we played really well tonight, and it didn’t come easy. So sometimes you have a game where even when you play well, you’ve got to fight to get the result and keep pushing till the end.So I think that that’s the most important take away from tonight. Together, the football part, the way the team pressed, the way the team won balls, played quickly, the tempo of moving the ball on the field was very high in stretches tonight. So those are the things that I take away the most.”
With 13 matches played, Los Angeles FC is now 6-4-3 (21 points) and tied on points with the Colorado Rapids for fourth place in the Western Conference. They’ve steadily risen up the league table as they’ve returned several key players, including Vela, have found fitness and form.
Most encouraging for LAFC is this results now makes it four wins in their last five games. This is a team that is beginning to realize their massive potential.
Los Angeles FC gets a boost
Also big for Los Angeles FC is that Carlos Vela has found their score sheet, his 79th minute winner a big moment for a player who has struggled with injuries and form this season.
In his last two games, Vela has a goal and an assist. His struggles, much like LAFC’s poor start to the season, seem a distant memory for what might currently be the hottest team in MLS.
“Great goal, and certainly you could see his mentality on the field, kicking the ball more, making more things happen, and then obviously fantastic finish for the winner,” Bradley said of his star attacker.