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Playoff tickets punched: LAFC 5, Minnesota United 1

LAFC are into the playoffs after the convincing win at home
Trebor TracyBy 5 Mins Read
LAFC star Carlos Vela showing excitement during a match. Photo by Brenton Tse | Angels on Parade

It was the last home match of the MLS regular season for LAFC, as they played host to Minnesota United. Tonight was also another chance for Los Angeles to lock in their spot in the postseason with a result at home. With standings getting even tighter, there’s no doubt this side want to punch their ticket and avoid any dramatic chaos on the final days. The team also needs some momentum going into the playoffs, and a win at home might be the catalyst they need.

The visitors didn’t waste any time in trying to really send the home side into a panic, taking the lead in the first five minutes of the match. Emanuel Reynoso broke down the LAFC defense on his way into the final third where he was able to get into position for an attempt, that bounced around and found Hassani Dotson who put it away for the early lead.

The response for LAFC was immediate and it needed to be. Carlos Vela put a great ball into the box where it first found Bogusz before bouncing at the feet of Denis Bouanga who turned and slammed it home for the equalizer.

Minnesota nearly re-took the lead, but the LAFC defense did well to lock it down, not allowing a second goal for the opposition before the halftime break arrived. Not only did they do well to finish the half strong defensively, they were able to get a second goal of their own to take the lead into halftime. The 36th minute saw a hobbled and limping Bounga inexplicably find all the space in the world inside the box, where he was rewarded with a pass, and he snagged his brace and gave his side the lead.

Feeling the Golden Boot within his grasps, Bouanga decided to get the hat-trick before halftime. In the waning minutes of the half, an LAFC corner fell to Denis, who took on defenders, and found a decent look at goal as he sent the ball past the line to extend the lead, and secure his fourth hat-trick of the season.

LAFC took the two-goal lead into the halftime break, flashing that dominance we have come to know this side for, but have not seen much of this year. With just 45 minutes left to play, the team would need to stay focused if they wanted to get the three points, and punch that postseason ticket. In the same way Minnesota started the match, Los Angeles started the second half.

It took them all of one minute for Olivera to add another to the LAFC tally. Officially, the effort was ruled an own goal, but in the end the result is the same, a goal for the home side as they extend their lead further. Now, it was just on the side to see out the win and begin focus on ensuring at least one series with homefield.

The goals were flowing for LAFC, with Fufu Krastev getting in on the action. after intercepting the ball, and with options around him, decided to keep it himself and get off the hit check which ended up in the back of the net. The goal was the fifth on the night for LAFC as they danced their way into the playoffs, officially.

By the time we heard the final whistle, the result was long determined and the bacon-wrapped hot dogs had already begun being consumed. The 5-1 result was one of the better ones this season for LAFC. As exciting and great as it is that the team extended their season, the question remains, will they be able to keep this up past tonight. For now, it’s phase one of the mission complete, with sights set on the only trophy left for this side to try and win. The team finish out regular season on the road, with a trip to Texas to face off against Austin FC at the weekend, up first. Let’s see if this team can keep the momentum they built tonight, going.

Thoughts on tonight’s win at home? Leave a comment below!

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