LAFC’s defense shines as they defeat Sporting Kansas City 3-1
Los Angeles, CA – With a 1:00 pm kick-of time on Easter Sunday, LAFC played host to Sporting Kansas City. It was 68 degrees Fahrenheit and the Los Angeles fans packed Banc of California Stadium. The Black and Gold have been known for having a prolific offense in past years with Carlos Vela leading the charge. This season, it’s the defense that’s garnered all the attention. LAFC has not allowed a 2nd half goal in its first 6 games and Steve Cherundolo’s team is 2nd in MLS allowing only 0.79 goals allowed per 90 minutes. They trail only Philadelphia which is at 0.75 goals allowed in that category.
For this game however, the visiting team had other plans. In the 38th minute, Kansas City drew first blood. A shot on goal was deflected but still went in and LAFC was down 1-0. Just 3 minutes later though, Cristian Arango put the ball behind the net and tied the score at 1-1.
In the 2nd half, both teams were battled it out. Slowly, but surely, LAFC was taking the time of possession and taking control of the game. In the 70th minute, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored a high-caliber goal to put LAFC in the lead. That has been Cherudolo’s recipe for success this season: play superb defense, dominate possession, and let the team make a play on offense. In the 78th minute, Jose Cifuentes scored for LAFC, putting the home team up 3-1 as the home crowd erupted after this 3rd goal. LAFC has a deep roster, allowing them to wear teams down. This clearly showed as the game went on. Fresh, talented legs allowed them to possess the ball and create more shots on goal and what ultimately allowed them to take this win.
The next match for LAFC is in Cincinnati on Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 pm. LAFC does have a U.S. Open Cup match midweek on Wednesday, April 20th at 7:30 pm versus Orange County Soccer Club. LAFC stands at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 5-1-1 record and 16 accumulated points with a 10-goal differential.
