Los Angeles FC were back on the road as they looked to shake off the sluggish start to the year, and get back on track. The team took the trip to Minnesota to take on the unbeaten Minnesota United, in a match the team recognize is really important to get back some of that lost momentum. With sights set on the win, getting going early is going to be the key for whichever team wants to come away with all three points.
Black & Gold, through and through.
Eduard Atuesta makes his 100th regular season appearance for #LAFC pic.twitter.com/Tg0FNY5aDg
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 17, 2024
Both teams came into this one knowing how important an early first goal would be. Both teams came out hunting, but it was the home side to get it across the line first. In the 16th minute a free kick into the box found a leaping Murillo, who couldn’t get enough on it to clear. Instead, the ball fell to a waiting Robin Lod who wasted no time in taking the shot, and giving his side the lead.
Right place, right time for Robin Lod. 🇫🇮
📺 Free on Apple TV: https://t.co/7gNJowJByL pic.twitter.com/XmiGecjCAj
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 17, 2024
The goal not only shellshocked, but frustrated LAFC. From that point on, the visitors fought hard just to keep their heads and keep from losing control of themselves. Minnesota tried to get a second throughout the half, but the halftime break came with just a goal conceded for LAFC. The home side finished the half with the most possession they have seen all season, at 55%. United made the best of having the ball so much, putting on five shots, with one one target, and one in the back of the net. LAFC were only able to muster two shots all half, something they would need to drastically change if they wanted to come away from this one with any points.
Unfortunately for the visitors, the early goal clearly rattled them, as most of the second half was spent still in their heads, failing to put together any semblance of a dangerous attack. Minnesota were keen on letting LAFC run themselves ragged, and just bid their time. LAFC did find a way to get off more shots, but none really threatened Minnesota, and in the late stages all hopes of points were snatched away with a Minnesota goal. In the 88th minute LAFC got caught ball watching and Minnesota put on a great pass to find Bongokuhle Hlongwane in stride, and he slotted it home to double the lead late and slam the door on any comeback hopes.
Bongi does it again! 💥🇿🇦
Bongokuhle Hlongwane strikes to put @MNUFC up 2-0 late over LAFC. pic.twitter.com/v0FbdiKBvm
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 17, 2024
The loss is the second shutout in the row LAFC have suffered, and continues their horrible early trend of losing ugly on the road. The back-and-forth schedule continues with Los Angeles back at home next weekend when they take on Nashville SC. While not the end of the world while still very early in a very long season, it is disconcerting that this one ends with far more questions for LAFC, than answers.
Thoughts on the loss? Leave a comment below!