After a huge win at home their last time out, LAFC were on the road against the Eastern Conference side, Charlotte FC. The best in the West looked to make short work of the bottom-dwelling home side, but as always in soccer, there’s a fine line between knowing the job ahead, and taking an opponent lightly.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇭🇳🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
🇪🇸🇪🇸🇬🇦🇵🇱🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/jDouJrZWvG— LAFC (@LAFC) August 26, 2023
The first half was, unfortunately, an all too familiar feeling for LAFC. The side that has struggled with finding consistency over the last couple of months, once again struggled in the opening half on the road. The team only kept 30% possession with only two shots through 30 minutes. That’s when the home side struck.
Just moments after LAFC had an apparent lead-taking goal of their own called back due to offside, Charlotte decided to really sway momentum in their favor. A streaking ball into the box found Ashley Westwood, who needed just the flick of the foot to get it past McCarthy with all the pace already behind it.
Swiderski sets up Ashley Westwood for the @CharlotteFC goal. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/RTugVYEncu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023
The quick strike would be the only one scored in the first half, with LAFC unable to get anything going. This is the other side of the coin they’ve held lately. Fresh off a four-goal rout at home they muster just three shots, with just one on target, in the following matchup.
The second half started a lot like the first for LAFC. They struggled to get going offensively, but they did manage a few more looks at goal. It took 67 minutes, but the black & gold finally got on the scoreboard, getting their equalizer courtesy of the new signing. Denis Bouanga put in a great pass on the break that opened it up for a wide open Mario Gonzalez, who dribbled around the keeper and put it past the line for the goal.
Mario, 1-Up. 🍄
Watch live on #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/WtLl4B5V91 pic.twitter.com/FSCHrFEzot
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 27, 2023
Charlotte was not going away though, showing the importance of following-up shots. Scott Arfield was at the right place at the right time after the initial attempt from Swiderski was saved. The goal put the home side back into the lead late.
🗣️ @CharlotteFC scores and the stadium erupts.
Scott Arfield follows up Swiderski’s shot for his first MLS goal. pic.twitter.com/vhzndF2K1n
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 27, 2023
The goal would be enough for the home side to come away with an upset win at home. For LAFC, it’s another tough performance following a really dominating one. With playoffs around the corner, they will want to find some consistency. As for what’s next, it’s time for Los Angeles to welcome the GOAT. Leo Messi and Inter Miami make the trip to BMO Stadium next Sunday.
Thoughts on the performance? Leave a comment below!