Without Vela, LAFC suffer their first home defeat of the season
With only seven games remaining in the MLS season, LAFC faced Minnesota United Sunday night for a chance to clinch the top spot in Western Conference. The last meeting between these two teams was in July were Minnesota took the three points in a 5-1 win against the visiting Angelinos.
United entered Banc of California Stadium following a loss of 1-0 against Sporting Kansas City and a 2-1 defeat versus Atlanta in the US Open Cup final. They were looking forward to finishing strong and earn a spot in playoffs. For their part, LAFC was hoping to clinch the top spot without their leading scorer, Carlos Vela.
Soon after, with the assist of a through ball by Jan Gregus, United opened up the scoreboard with a goal by Mason Toye at minute 24. A couple of minutes after the first goal, The Loons continued to attack and obtain another goal at minute 29 once again by Mason Toye. Los Angelinos were able to generate plays but struggle to finish them. The first half ended with a 2-0 disadvantage for the home team against a very offensive-minded Minnesota United.
In the first half, Minnesota led with a 75.7 percent possession of the ball while LAFC only managed 24.3 percent. The total shots favored LAFC with 13 but no goals, meanwhile the team from the North had only four but two of them were goals.
After a difficult first half for Bob Bradley’s team, LAFC sought to come back and get the three points. At minute 58 they are given a free kick taken by Lee Nguyen. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone saved the shot, and the Angelinos remained scoreless. Adama Diomandé would have another chance on goal for LAFC, but once again the ball would be saved by Minnesota United’s goalkeeper.
Minnesota United’s defensive play during the second half did not allow LAFC to score a goal. Los Angelinos will have wait for the desired three points when they face Orlando City in their next match. United moved up to the third place in the standings and are scheduled to meet the Houston Dynamo in their next game.
