LAFC are back at home for some more midweek action with the quick turnaround after the win at the weekend. This time, the team are up against fellow top Western Conference side, Seattle Sounders, as they look to build on the win and get back into championship form. With a stronger side than many expected, the black & gold were ready to take three points off their rivals.
Matchday: #LAFCvSEA
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📲 ESPN LA App— LAFC (@LAFC) June 21, 2023
LAFC wasted little time in taking control of the match. Well, they used up 50 seconds, but that’s all they needed to get on the scoresheet courtesy of Mateusz Bogusz, who took a shot from outside the box, placing the ball just out of reach of the Seattle goalkeeper for the lead. The score was the second fastest goal scored in LAFC history, behind Chicho Arango.
🚨 BOGUSZ BANGER 🚨 pic.twitter.com/KbtSVOgdvo
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 22, 2023
As you would expect from a veteran side like Seattle, they were able to remain composed and lock down defensively. The visitors were able to finish the half with seven shots, with two finding the target. More importantly for them, the only shot on target they gave up that half which was the early goal. Despite nine shots, LAFC took just the one goal lead into the halftime break. While not a completely dominant performance, the early goal and solid first 45 set Los Angeles up nicely for the second half at home.
The second half kicked off and the match had fully settled into the type of match we are used to seeing between these two sides. Both sides controlled the ball in spots, and while the home side found a few more shots to add to their tally, they hadn’t found their second goal through 75 minutes.
A free kick from outside the box was at the perfect distance for something special and special we got. Mateusz Bogusz must put in arguably the best free kick we have seen all season, with the ball weighted perfectly and delivered to the middle of the box on a silver platter. Jose Cifuentes jumped up and with one swift flick of the head, smashed it past the keeper to, seemingly, double the lead. However, VAR was on the case with a possible handball situation, and after a long look at the monitor, the referee determined the goal was to be disallowed.
Despite putting even more pressure on goal, LAFC couldn’t find their second goal, but it wouldn’t matter in the end. The black & gold were able to see out the shutout, and secure a convincing 1-0 win at home against an incredibly tough opponent. The win is the second in a row for Los Angeles and while they haven’t looked all the way ‘back’ they do look to be finding some rhythm again, which is great to see. The squad is back in action this weekend, hosting Vancouver Whitecaps.
Thoughts on tonight’s win? Leave a comment below!