Los Angeles, California (May 16, 2019) — The first match in the ball-to-back against FC Dallas went the way of the home side. LAFC can cross another name off of their list, as they get the full three points off of Dallas for the first time.
The match played out much as expected, with FC Dallas coming out with a heavy emphasis on defense. It took about 15 minutes, but eventually LAFC gained control and never let it go. The host side maintained possession extremely well, and got off a handful of great chances.
LAFC continue winning ways after hard fought win against FC Dallas
LAFC finished the first half with 14 shots, needing only one, a wonderful left-footed strike in the 39th minute from MVP candidate, Carlos Vela, to take the lead. The second half begun much like the first, with LAFC holding on to the ball and finding open opportunities to extend the lead. However, with 15 minutes to go, FC Dallas begun to find success with the counter-attack. LAFC were able to withstand the Dallas surge, and added a second in the 85th minute, with Diego Rossi finally ending his drought. In the end, it was a clean sheet, two goals and three points for the boys in black.
Lucky number 13 🔥
With a beautiful feed from @EduardAtuesta, @11carlosV opens the scoring!!#LAFCvDAL pic.twitter.com/PAiolnHVVS
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 17, 2019
Three Takeaways
- Keeping it Clean: With this latest shutout, Los Angeles make it three straight clean sheets, with two wins and one draw. In addition, LAFC have only allowed three goals over the last seven matches. Throughout the struggles they may come across offensively, it is clear this defense is as consistent as it is impenetrable. For a team known for its goal scoring, 2019 has been all about the improvement at the back.
- Proper Adjustment: Once again, LAFC are proving they can adapt to any style of play and find a way to win. The last several matches have seen opponents move away from the more physical approach and implement a more defense heavy strategy. Head coach Bob Bradley has done well to adjust accordingly. While it may not be four or five goal wins, this team has done well to grind out wins by any means necessary. All that matters are the three points. More times than not, LAFC find ways to come out on top.
- Carlos Vela continues to dominate: LAFC continue their absolutely historic run in 2019. With a record-setting pace in almost all categories, the possible team of the decade, is being led by a player of the decade. In only his second season in the MLS, Carlos Vela has settled into his role perfectly. As the leader of the club, he has continued to be the voice expressing the team’s desires to win it all. His play on the pitch has matched his talk, as he scored yet again. Bringing his league total to 13 so far this season, Vela may not have been the LA striker doing the talking pre-season, he has been the one doing the performing.
“He’s set the standard and everyone else sees it."
Bob Bradley on @11carlosV's strong 2019 season. pic.twitter.com/oZOP3VZOvm
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 17, 2019
Looking Ahead
Los Angeles will have a short turnaround, with the second match of this back-to-back in only three days. Judging by the way last night’s match ended, expect Sunday to be a little bit more testy than it may have been otherwise. FC Dallas will most likely have a defensive focus in terms of style, while LAFC will look to flex their depth and continue this winning run even with a possible rotated squad.
