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.
The Black and Gold needed a win to get the bad taste out of their mouths after an overall unsavory outing against the LA Galaxy. They would find no easy opponent in Atlanta, however. The Five Stripes, as they are known colloquially, are already a mainstay in MLS despite being just a year older than LAFC, winning a championship in just their second season and setting a new standard for expansion teams across Major League Soccer, a feat that LAFC is undoubtedly trying to reproduce this season.
The first derby match of the year between crosstown rivals LAFC and the LA Galaxy was played last Friday on July 19, 2019. LAFC had yet to beat their Carson counterparts and seemed to be in high spirits and excellent form after a convincing win against the Houston Dynamo a week earlier. The Galaxy on the other hand, while still in second place on the season, are not playing the best soccer. Their one-dimensional playing style, has been noted throughout their season due to their over-reliance on the team’s megastar Zlatan Ibrahimović, who has the penchant for the spectacular but
Coming off an away draw at Seattle last weekend felt like a victory for the Black and Gold, playing one of the top four teams in the conference. They remain at the top of the West for the time being, but the Galaxy are hot on their tail just two points away from tying LAFC on points from 22 to 24.
With the MLS playoffs are right around the corner and with the regular season coming to a close, there is little time to lose focus.