After the tough time out at the weekend, LAFC were back in action for some midweek madness, sporting some new kits as well. The black & gold were one of the few MLS teams to get a kit as part of the Vintage Collection in partnership with Adidas. In their LA Aztecs inspired look, the team looked to bounce back from their lates loss with a win over fellow top side in the West, Real Salt Lake. In a battle of top three teams, the winner would take their place atop the conference, for now.
New Threads 🪡🧵 pic.twitter.com/nILMcdCMo9
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2024
LAFC know a thing or two about the importance of starting fast, especially against a team that only gets more dangerous the longer they keep it close. In just five minutes Real Salt Lake made a mistake at the back, and with their first opportunity, Los Angeles took full advantage. Returning to the lineup after his time representing Uruguay in the Copa America, Cristian Olivera got wide-eyed at the open net chance, and took his shot striking it true. Early lead for the home side.
Back in the lineup. Back on the scoresheet. 💥
🇺🇾 Cristian Olivera scores 5 minutes into his return from Copa America!#LAFCvRSL 1-0 pic.twitter.com/c6cHT7KdRC
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2024
RSL did well to settle into the match after the early mistake. They limited the shots on their goal, and were able to knock on the door themselves. It took a while, but in the 33rd minute Bryan Vera stepped up for the long free kick attempt for the visitors and while ambitious, it was struck hard and took a deflection off LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez who was just trying to flick it past the post, instead sent it just in for the equalizer.
Back in the lineup. Back on the scoresheet. 💥
🇺🇾 Cristian Olivera scores 5 minutes into his return from Copa America!#LAFCvRSL 1-0 pic.twitter.com/c6cHT7KdRC
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2024
The teams went into the break level at one goal a piece, with neither side really dominating the first half. While the first meeting was played in a blizzard, this one was under a blanket of heat on a summer night in Los Angeles. Considering both sides came into this match riding a loss, the second half should be a bit more pressing with three points on the line and goals to be found.
LAFC weren’t able to get any more shots off throughout the second half. Through 85 minutes, LAFC had only taken nine shots, with just five finding their target. The team didn’t look terrible, nor did they play completely lackluster, but they were far from the sharp squad we had seen in the spring. Just a very average performance, to follow what was a very tough loss.
RSL were able to keep the home side out of the back of the net in the second half, while continuing to apply some pressure. They made it a bit of a grind, but were able to see out the point and leave Los Angeles with a result despite coming into the match severely shorthanded. For LAFC, that’s now two matches without a win, but more concerningly, its now back-to-back matches where the squad looks closer to the one that struggled to start 2024, and not the one that ripped off 13 unbeaten. Now, they once again get ready for the short turnaround, with their Western Conference rivals Seattle Sounders, awaiting them in just three days.
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