LAFC and Union tie 1-1, Vela scores 28th of season

The MLS’ top team paid a visit to the Philadelphia Union in the first-ever game for LAFC at the Talen Energy Stadium. Kacper Przybylko and Carlos Vela would continue their goal-scoring ways in Philadelphia. After an exciting 90 minutes, both teams would walk away with a point. The game proved that the Union could keep up against the MLS’ best teams with their win against Atlanta United a couple of weeks ago and today’s tie against LAFC.

One of the main storylines coming into today’s matchup was the individual battle between Mexican internationals Carlos Vela and Marco Fabian. 

Vela and Fabian trained in the Chivas de Guadalajara youth academy. During their time in the academy, Vela and Fabian became close friends. Both completed moves to Europe, both represented Mexico internationally and eventually, each found themselves representing teams in the MLS. The matchup today was supposed to be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two, but Marco Fabian was a healthy scratch and omitted from the Union’s 18 for today’s game. 

Manager Jim Curtin gave an explanation for Fabian’s absence at the postgame presser. “Marco Fabian missed a team meeting the day before the game, that was the reason for his absence,” stated Curtin. The Union signed Fabian to its biggest ever contract back in February, but his displays on the field have left some wanting more bang for their buck. With 4 regular-season games to go, it remains to see if Philadelphia will exercise their team option on Fabian’s contract after the season concludes given incidents like this.

The first goal of the night would come early in the game. In the 3rd minute, Fabrice-Jean Picault crossed a ball to the middle of the box, where Kacper Przybylko launched a looping header that went over the head of LAFC’s keeper. The goal marked Przybylko’s 14 of the season and his 3rd straight game with a goal.

Carlos Vela continued his blistering goal-scoring pace scoring his 28th goal of the season. Vela’s goal came after Mark-Anthony Kaye chipped a ball at goal that hit the crossbar, landed at Vela’s feet and he struck it home.

The second half would see Carlos Vela substituted at the 65th minute. Vela was coming off an injury sustained against the LA Galaxy a few weeks ago. The game would end 1-1 with both teams having chances at goals. It was a fun back and forth match up from some of the best teams of their respective conferences.

LAFC will next face Toronto FC on September 21st. LAFC has a very good chance to eclipse the NY Red Bulls’ record for most points in a season of 71 set last season. 

Next for the Union will be a trip to New York to face the Red Bulls next Sunday. Philadelphia sits at 2nd place in the eastern conference standings and will need some points in order to lock up a home game during the playoffs.