The weekend wrapped up with LAFC hitting the road to take on Vancouver Whitecaps in a battle of playoff teams in the West. Both teams come in to this match looking to improve on positioning or avoid being passed over, as the regular season comes to an end. Both sides can also thank the International Break for why they are missing some key players in an important match down the stretch. With just two matches left, LAFC will be looking to get the win on the road not just for the three points, but to keep improving on their form to go into the postseason as peak as possible.
In the building 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/m4l9UEwnoB
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 13, 2024
We always talk about how important it is to set the tone. How teams set out to get the first goal and get it early, especially when they are on the road as they aim to quiet the home crowd. LAFC must have planned that out to perfection because it wasn’t even a minute into the match before we saw Mateusz Bogusz streaking down the pitch. The counter worked with immediate effect as David Martinez put on a great pass to find Bogusz in stride. Despite a defender all over him and an awkward angle, he chipped the keeper and put the ball into the back of the net for what was the second-fastest ever goal scored in LAFC history, clocking in at 34 seconds.
It only took 34 seconds ‼️
The pass, the finish🤌#VANvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/DXYK4ERLR1
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 13, 2024
At that point you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking it was the start of a rout, but that was not the case. Despite doing what they have almost never done this season, which is dominating possession, and finishing the half with seven shots (3 on target) LAFC went into the break with just the one goal lead. Vancouver not only did a great job of defending and withstanding the barrage from Los Angeles, but they also got off some opportunities of their own. It looked like they even scored an equalizer, only for it to be ruled offside. This was far from comfortable for LAFC, and they would be in for a wild second half.
In the 62nd minute LAFC’s struggle with set piece defending reared its head with Vancouver having a free kick near goal. It was a nice take, with the ball floating into the box, finding its mark in former LAFC man Tristan Blackmon, who headed it past the keeper for the equalizer with plenty of time left.
Set-piece equalizer for @WhitecapsFC!
This one’s level with plenty of time remaining. 👀 pic.twitter.com/3gygrFgbFs
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 14, 2024
Vancouver continued to put the pressure with the smell of blood in the water. They came close on several occasions to taking the lead at home and coming away with three massive points. LAFC reverted back to what they know, allowing the opposition to keep possession and make the first moves while they lurked for the counter attack. As they went hard for the win with time winding down, LAFC struck and hit Vancouver with a nasty counter that saw LAFC get to the opposition’s box and set up for a methodical break down with precise passing. Kei Kamara picked out Ilie Sanchez who was able to get the space he needed, get off the shot and put it in the back of the net for the last second win.
Ilie Sánchez finds the laaaate go-ahead goal for @LAFC from outside the box! pic.twitter.com/wSnOOvLSUf
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 14, 2024
A true smash and grab late to secure three huge points on the road. The win secures that second place spot for LAFC as they prepare for the extended time at home. They will close out the MLS regular season at home on October 19th, then prepare to host Game 1 of the first round of the MLS Playoffs.
Thoughts on the dramatic win? Leave a comment below!