LAFC Notch Important Win Against Colorado
On a beautiful, clear Saturday evening in Los Angeles, LAFC played host to the visiting Colorado Rapids. Like most venues across the country, more and more fans are being allowed back to view the games in person. According to an LAFC representative, the capacity for this game was at approximately 16,300. That is substantially higher than when fans were first allowed into BANC of California stadium earlier this year. At that point capacity was limited to 4,900. Included with Covid-19 protocols, LAFC designated certain areas for vaccinated fans. The sections included the north end, east side, and south side of the stadium. LAFC representatives set aside 50 percent of available seats for this game for vaccinated individuals. A section of the press box was also designated for those who have been vaccinated.
LAFC was looking to get a win after losing to Seattle 2-0 and stood in last place of the Western Conference, accumulating only 5 points with 1 win, 2 losses, and 2 draws. Colorado Rapids stood in 6th place of the Western Conference with 10 points and a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. Vela was in the starting lineup as captain for LAFC.
As the first half was underway, Bob Bradley’s team was in control of the tempo and ball passion. At times it felt as if Colorado parked the bus and was relying on the counterattack. In the 14th minute of play, LAFC’s Diego Rossi scored his second goal of the season to put his team up 1-0. The goal was assisted by Corey Baird. Colorado was making strong efforts to find some type of rhythm offensively, however, they just could not muster up any offense. Vela’s team kept attacking and once again LAFC scored. Off a beautiful assist from Vela, in the 33rd minute Rossi scored his second goal of the match. LAFC was up 2-0 going into halftime.
Early in the 2nd half, the visiting team looked to try and score, and they did just that. In the 50th minute, Michael Barrios scored for the Rapids making the score 2-1. This is exactly what Colorado needed to get back into this game. In the 59th minute Bradley put in a substitution for Carlos Vela and the LAFC offense appeared to suffer. As the 2nd half continued, neither team was able to score despite having shots on goal. The game ended 2-1, giving LAFC the victory and a much-needed 3 points. The next match for LAFC is Saturday, May 29th versus NYCFC here in Los Angeles.
