Perhaps it was the fact that LAFC has already clinched a spot in the post season, or perhaps it was upon hearing the news that fan-favorite Adama Diomande admitted himself to MLS’ substance abuse clinic, leaving an indefinite timetable for his return, or perhaps it just simply wasn’t their night.
On Sunday, September 1, LAFC hosted Minnesota United at Banc of California Stadium. In a game that was considered a must-win for Minnesota, due to a fifth-place standing at the start of the game, proved to be just the motivation they needed. LAFC on the other hand, have already clinched a berth in the playoffs and are playing more for pride and form. The Black and Gold nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute when newly minted LAFC member Brian Rodríguez nearly scored, with the goalkeeper deflecting his shot to Latif Blessing, who was unable to get a shot
On Sunday, August 26, LAFC hosted the LA Galaxy at Banc of California Stadium for their second meeting on the season. The last meeting between the two teams fared better for the Galaxy, who were able to rally around a Zlatan Ibrahimović hattrick to defeat LAFC 3-2, as Black and Gold sought to finally break their inability to beat their crosstown foes. Six goals were scored in the contest, in a match that many knew would not disappoint and lived up to the fervent hype.
On Sunday, August 11, LAFC hosted the New York Reb Bulls at Banc of California Stadium during a crucial stretch of the regular season. The Red Bulls, one of the stronger teams in the East, is still looking to make their playoff push while LAFC strive to maintain their dominance in the West.
Overall, LAFC played a dominant match with another special performance from leading MVP candidate, Carlos Vela.
LAFC and FC Dallas both had interesting schedules this week. The two teams played against one another on Thursday, May 16 at Banc of California Stadium and met just three days later on Sunday, May 19, to play FC Dallas yet again, this time in Texas.
On Saturday, March 23, LAFC played Real Salt Lake in another grudge match of sorts. LAFC bested Real Salt Lake twice, even routing them 5-1 early last season, before narrowly losing to them and missing out on going deeper into the playoffs. LAFC was missing a few starting faces as well, namely midfielders Mark-Anthony Kaye(International call-up for Canada), Lee Nguyen (hamstring injury) and Christian Ramirez (International call-up for USA).
It seems the boys in Black and Gold have found a rhythm early on in the season. This past Sunday, March 10, LAFC hosted the Portland Timbers at Banc of California Stadium. Portland, while not as strong as they were a few years ago, are still considered a formidable opponent in Major League Soccer, with their frontman Diego Valeri as the Timbers main attacking outlet and threat. But, it was LAFC’s creative talisman Carlos Vela that stole the show in this occasion with an impressive outing, racking up three assists and one goal, having a hand in all four goals
On September 22, third-place LAFC faced off against the San Jose Earthquakes, sitting in last place in the West. With only four games left in the regular season, and the playoffs right around the corner, each match is a must win with the standings so tight.
The hard times continued for the Black and Gold last weekend, as LAFC lost their first game at home this past Sunday against Sporting Kansas City, 2-1.
LAFC was tasked with another two-game week as they traveled to Houston to take on the Dynamo on Tuesday, July 3rd, and then hosted Orlando S.C. a few days later on the 7th.
The Philadelphia Union came out of the gates with purpose. For the first 15 minutes, the Union were connecting passes and dominating midfield play setting a precedent that LAFC would need to adapt to. It was apparent that LAFC were still missing their attacking maestro in Carlos Vela, who at the time this article was written, was still away on international duty.
LAFC hosted the last place seed in the east D.C. United at Banc of California Stadium, the match would end in a 1-1 draw.
On Saturday May 19th, LAFC traveled north to Portland to face the Timbers, the 2015 MLS Cup winners who also have the reigning MLS MVP in Diego Valeri. Both teams fought valiantly, as the game went back and forth most of the game but the LAFC defense were unable to quell Portland’s vibrant attack.
Though LAFC dominated the match, finishing in the final third ultimately gave FC Dallas new life