Los Angeles FC looked like a team ready to finally exorcise the demon that has been its winless record against the LA Galaxy. At least for the first 40 minutes of Thursday’s MLS Western Conference semifinal at Banc of California Stadium.
The LA Galaxy wasn’t going to make things easy, but even their impressive rally from 2-0 down to tie the match wasn’t enough to deny LAFC on a night when its attack was at its best, and stepped up to answer the Galaxy’s response.
LAFC scored three second-half goals in a 14-minute span to finally silence its rivals. Carlos Vela scored two goals and set up another in the first half, while Diego Rossi had a hand in three goals, and Adama Diomande came off the bench to add two goals of his own to help LAFC finally defeat the Galaxy, 5-3, for the first win over the Galaxy in LAFC history.
LAFC will now play host to the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday in the Western Conference final, with the winner securing a place in the 2019 MLS Cup final. Seattle defeated Real Salt Lake on Wednesday to book its place in the West final.
The Galaxy erased a two-goal deficit to push the Supporters’ Shield winners to the brink, with Cristian Pavon offering an immediate response just a minute after Carlos Vela made the score 2-0 with his second of the night.
When Zlatan scored a 55th-minute equalizer to make the score 2-2, LAFC looked like it might have its season ended at home for the second straight season. Bob Bradley’s side didn’t fold though, and instead continued to torment Galaxy defender Giancarlo Gonzalez, a central defender who looked completely overmatched playing at right back.
Rossi abused Gonzalez repeatedly, first scoring a goal of his own before setting up the first of two goals by Adama Diomande to make the score 4-2.
The Galaxy showed some late life when Rolf Feltscher’s header made the score 4-3, but the Galaxy defense fell apart yet again just three minutes later when he beat Diego Polenta on the turn and raced in for LAFC’s fifth goal of the night.
“GET LOST!!!! LAFC’s Bob Bradley walks off ESPN postgame interview in response to Carlos Vela question”….Dammnnn BB ?!!! THE FIRE…THE PASSION….THE “NO NONSENSE” ATTITUDE !!!! Where was this guy during his time with the national team?!!!!! Wow, Coach that values and speaks up for his players…… Absolute beast mode (kinda shocking for Bob?).
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http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/10/25/get-lost-lafcs-bob-bradley-walks-espn-postgame-interview-response-carlos-vela
Bob is nothing if not loyal to his players and friends. He viewed the question as unfairly framed and objected, with his own question “Whio’s saying that?” The reporter persisted, in effect trying to put words in Bob’s mouth that would slight Vela.. Bob rightly was offended. Vela was hands down the most valuable player in MLS the entire year. The reporter tried one more time and Bob did not swear, strike, or otherwise lose his temper, he was visibly angry and walked away.
Expected more out of galaxy. LAFC just had much more speed and moved ball quicker as well. Galaxy midfield had no bite but that’s because LAFC moved the ball quick and would counter the galaxy. Looking forward to Sounders vs LAFC.
The attack of LAFC was a thing of beauty. Diamonde in particular had a fantastic game in his sub role. That he had the maturity to check himself into the MLS rehab program and upon his first return to action scored two goals, the second by simply running past defenders and the keeper to score is simply amazing. Oh yeah, Vela and Rossi were fantastic as well.
LAG defense gave up 5 goals? LAG can score their problem is they don’t know how to evaluate defenders.
The problem is they haven’t _had_ defenders since Jermaine Jones. Which is probably owing at least in part to Ibra’s very large salary. You pays your money, you takes your choice.
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I feel a little sorry for Zlatan. As irritating as he can be, he deserved far, far better than that motley team.
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But once he leaves, they will probably have a better shot at fielding a more balanced 11.
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