LAFC triumph in preseason match against Uruguayan powerhouse Peñarol
Los Angeles, CA – On a foggy 57-degree evening, LAFC hosted its first preseason match of the 2020 MLS season. They hosted Club Atlético Peñarol, also known as Los Carboneros; a South American powerhouse team from Uruguay.
Coming into this game LAFC has championship expectations. LAFC did not end the season as they wished in 2019. Flashback to early November, LAFC was defeated by the visiting Seattle Sounders after being the favorites to win the MLS title. It was a tough way to end the 2019 season with a loss in the conference championship when many thought they would at least make the MLS Final. However, this season LAFC is poised to make another run at the MLS Cup.
As the game began, LAFC dominated the possession game and kept attacking Peñarol. LAFC continued their scoring ways of 2019. They had precise passing and were heavily attacking the right side of the field. In the 10th minute of the match, LAFC forward Latif blessing sent a smooth pass to teammate Carlos Vela. The 2019 MLS scoring leader was up to his old tricks as he set the ball up, and utilized his left foot to beautifully and curled the ball to the top left of the net to put LAFC up with an early score.
LAFC kept applying pressure through the game as Peñarol wasted a couple opportunities on counter strikes. In the 40th minute LAFC struck again. This time is was Adrien Perez as he scored on an unassisted goal in the 40th minute. LAFC went into the half with a 2-0 lead.
In the 2nd half, LAFC made a plethora of changes as they substituted players. Peñarol earned a penalty kick. However, the left pole is a goalie’s best friend. Peñarol player fooled LAFC goal Sisniega with the kick, but the ball struck the lower-left pole and it caromed harmlessly to the left portion of the sideline. This was the opportunity Peñarol needed to get back in the game, but the Uruguayan team was unable to capitalize. In the 76th minute a scuffle broke out as LAFC’s Adame Diomande received a tough foul and a shoving match ensued between the two teams. No players were ejected and the game ended 2-0 with LAFC prevailing with a win.
