LAFC downs RSL in a 3-2 thriller at the Banc
LAFC hosted Real Salt Lake in the 24th week of the MLS season in front of a raucous 22,130 fans at the Banc of California Stadium. The Black and Gold came out on top 3-2 and took advantage of Real Salt Lake’s young goalkeeper David Ochoa’s return to the goal after suffering an injury against the Colorado Rapids on July 24th.
It was a rough start for Ochoa after Cristian Arango put the ball in the back of the net only 20 seconds into the match. Arango’s goal became the fastest goal ever in franchise history for the home squad edging the previous record set earlier this year by Eduard Atuesta back in April versus the Seattle Sounders at 1 minute and 25 seconds into that game.
Soon after history was made, Real Salt Lake equalized the game with a goal by Damir Kreilach. An assist by Eduard Atuesta and header by Cristian Arango, his second goal of the night, saw the Claret and Cobalt behind on the scoreboard with 2-1 at minute 30.
Sparks flew as Anderson Julio scores, and Real Salt Lake equalized the game again in the 48th minute. David Ochoa stepped out of his zone to save an easy ball, but miscommunication from his teammate Toni Datkovic results in an own-goal.
The Angelinos take the three points and move to 8th place despite no clear status on when their star player Carlos Vela will make his return to the pitch. For their part, the team from Utah stands in the 7th spot of the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake’s next opponent is the San Jose Earthquakes; meanwhile, LAFC travels to Texas to face Austin FC.
