Vela leaves with injury as Galaxy shutouts LAFC at the Banc
It was a hot day with clear skies over Banc of California Stadium. A scorching 93 degrees for kickoff and a different atmosphere in the stadium, as MLS resumes is 2020 season, teams are starting to get back on the field. One difference, no fans in the stadiums. You don’t have the loud ambiance of the 3252 supporters group. You do not have the cheering as LAFC players exit the tunnel into the field, and you do not have the full crowd’s energy motivating the team.
In the outset of the game, LAFC displayed its high-octane offense showing ball possession. They began the game in a 4-3-3- lineup. Their cross-town rival started attacking with a 4-2-3-1 list. Galaxy displayed poise and discipline early in the game as they earned their first corner kick in the 10th minute. Just 15 minutes later, Ethan Zubak headed the ball into the net for LA Galaxy after receiving another corner kick and putting the visiting team up 1-0. During the water break for teams in the 28th minute, Bob Bradley appeared to speak directly to his mid-fielders. Moments later, Diego Rossi had a solid shot on goal for the home squad. He zoomed it past the defenders, but straight into David Bingham’s chest. By half time, Guillermo Schelotto’s team managed to almost even out ball possession as his visiting Galaxy team was down in the category having it at 47 percent. Though the home team was winning the possession battle at halftime with 53 percent of the time, they were not generating many shots on goal.
Just 8 minutes into the second half, the home team conceded another goal. In the 53rd minute, Sebastian Lletget scored with his right foot as he shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner. Julian Araujo beautifully assisted the goal with a cross.
In the 58th minute, Carlos Vela was subbed in by Adrien Peréz as it appeared Vela limped out of the field from what seemed to be an injury. As the game was shifting in balance, Guillermo decided to make changes for the Galaxy as he subbed Jonathan dos Santos for Ethan Zubak. The action was the first time Dos Santos sees on the field since MLS play halted back in March.
After Galaxy scored its second goal, they parked the bus and attempted to play the counterattack. The backline for Schelotto’s team masterfully played the second half. Defender Ralf Fletcher was like a wall defending his side of the field. The 5-time MLS Champion controlled the game with stellar defense and precise play from their midfielders. A much-needed victory for the Los Angeles Galaxy as they did not perform well in the MLS is back the tournament, and they had subpar start to the 2020 season. The Galaxy did something not many teams have done; not only did they win at Banc of California, but they shut down the LAFC’s potent offense.
