LOS ANGELES – It was a battle of top teams in the MLS Western Conference as Los Angeles FC hosted FC Dallas on Wednesday night. Ryan Hollingshead started against his former team, as LAFC awaited the arrival of Gareth Bale. Jesús Ferreira had not scored in five league games for Dallas, ending that streak in spectacular fashion.
LAFC Down FC Dallas 3-1 Despite Jesús Ferreira Free Kick
The first half was well played by both sides with the black and gold getting more of the high quality chances. Carlos Vela and Cristian Arango both had chances before Danny Musovski scored in transition. José Cifuentes made a great run forward and played the ball into space for the left winger to score.
Dallas made it 1-1 before halftime. Ferreira took a free kick from 30-yards out. He went directly for goal, hitting the ball off the underside of the crossbar and in.
LAFC asserted themselves in the second half. Arango made it 2-1 in the 57th minute. Again in transition, LAFC passed up the middle through the defense. Arango separated from his defender and shot first time, dinking the ball off the far post and in.
Substitute Kwadwo Opoku put the game to rest in the final minutes with a brilliant strike from distance. The match ended 3-1.
JESUS FERREIRA! 🤩
Set piece perfection to find the equalizer for @FCDallas! pic.twitter.com/vYKoPfz8Tq
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 30, 2022
What a finish! 🤩
Opoku makes it 3-1 for @LAFC! pic.twitter.com/Yq8wJW0Bvu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 30, 2022
Three Key Takeaways:
LAFC are OP, especially in transition: LAFC’s three goals came from quick passing and to an extent transition play. They’re leading the Supporters Shield by seven points and scoring goals for fun. They’re the best team in MLS right now and unstoppable against weak defenses against the run of play.
Dallas Ferreira dependent: Dallas weren’t terrible in this game. They just weren’t good enough in the two boxes. The wide attackers did not do enough from the run of play. Ferreira is great. Paul Arriola is one of the best right wingers in this league. This game was a good lesson for their team on how to win in big moments in big games.
Looking ahead to reinforcements: LAFC have Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale on the way. The Italian was in the house for this game. Chiellini was in attendance for the game. If these two hit this year, they’ll supercharge the club at the front and the back. LAFC is a trophy (if not two) or bust.
