After smashing the top team in the Western Conference at home, LAFC turned their sights to their last match before the Leagues Cup puts a pause to action in the MLS. What better way to go into the long break for the black & gold, than to go out with back-to-back wins. It was a special match for LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez, who was making his 200th MLS appearance.
¡Felicidades, Ilie! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ELhUy6ushg
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 16, 2023
LAFC took the momentum of the 3-0 win against St. Louis City SC with them on the road, opening up scoring and taking the lead early. The visitors took advantage of some poor passing, knocking forward a ball for Carlos Vela who slowly broke free and managed to elude the keeper. He slotted home the shot on an empty net, and taking the lead.
Back-to-back games with a goal for @11carlosV. 👑 pic.twitter.com/q6BhrLvSk6
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 16, 2023
Minnesota took their mistake personally, because just minutes later, they broke down LAFC’s defense with absolutely filthy precision in their passing. The build-up ended with a perfect chip over the defense for a waiting Emanuel Reynoso, who put it past McCarthy for the equalizer.
Team goals don’t get much better than this from Emanuel Reynoso and @MNUFC. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Zc3e8DvDMh
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 16, 2023
The first half ended without anymore goals, though LAFC came close to getting their second just before the halftime break. Minnesota edged out the visitors in first-half stats, with 10 shots, three on target, while LAFC took seven shots including their goal. An even half, leave it to MLS to provide chaos on their way out.
Perhaps it was the heat or the tired legs, but the second half was not the firework show it had shaped up to be. Both sides seemed content with the point, at least early on. The final 15 minutes is when the match started to get lively, with the teams now seeing the opportunity for three points slip away. Minnesota came close to securing the win at home a few times down the stretch, but couldn’t find the finishing touches. In the end, the two sides settled for split points as we head into the MLS break. LAFC will be back in regular season action August 20, when they host Colorado Rapids.
What do you think of the team’s form at the break? Leave a comment below!