LAFC overcomes tall task in inaugural match at Sounders
Photo credit: Dave Sizer
LAFC’s indoctrination into MLS seemed more like fraternity hazing or a gang initiation at first glance. The expansion side faced a daunting assignment in its inaugural match, tasked with travelling to Seattle to face the club that won the 2016 MLS Cup and fell in the 2017 MLS Cup final to Toronto FC.
The MLS newcomers handled themselves not just admirably, but impressively, downing the Sounders 1-0 on Sunday at CenturyLink Field. In doing so, LAFC became the first MLS expansion team to win an opener on the road since 1998. Ironically, LAFC manager Bob Bradley was the man who also did it previously — in 1998 with the Chicago Fire.
An 11th-minute tally by Diego Rossi, assisted by Mexico national team stalwart Carlos Vela and Canadian international Mark-Anthony Kaye, ended up being all the separation LAFC needed to debut in glorious fashion.
Carlos Vela ➡ Diego Rossi. Enough said.
0-1 #SEAvLAFC https://t.co/eim5lsQf0W
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 4, 2018
Clint Dempsey, Jordan McCrary and Chad Marshall were held out of the starting XI after playing heavy minutes in Seattle’s 4-0 drubbing of Santa Tecla on Thursday in the CONCACAF Champions League. Dempsey and McCrary weren’t even selected for the bench, while Marshall made the 18 but didn’t enter.
The Sounders still had plenty of firepower available, but for whatever reason looked quite out of sorts in the first half. After the break, Seattle resembled its old self, bossing possession and threatening often in the final third. But in the end, LAFC played like a squad wise beyond its years to seize three points.
In the 74th minute, a sketchy lack of VAR use prevented what looked like a deserved penalty attempt for LAFC. Vela was blatantly brought down at the edge of the box, but head referee Jose Carlos Rivero kept his whistle silent and no video review ensued even after a second stoppage of play. Seattle goalkeeper Stefen Frei restarted play too quickly while the ball was still moving during the goal kick, but even the second opportunity to defer to VAR wasn’t utilized.
Seattle center back Tony Alfaro was sent off after nabbing two yellows in a four-minute span late in the second half. The Sounders still applied a fair amount of pressure late despite the man disadvantage, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell made a candid appearance — pics or it didn’t happen — alongside the ESPN crew prior to kickoff. Ferrell, er Ron Burgundy, explained how LAFC was actually founded by the Germans and Haitians in 1802.
Look who stopped by the @espn booth…#SEAvLAFC https://t.co/rq9Z821qag
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 4, 2018
But the story of the night, of course, was LAFC’s historic road win. Bradley’s confident group defied the odds in Week 1 and might very well continue to prove a difficult out home or away throughout the 2018 MLS season.
Seattle returns to CONCACAF Champions League play at home Wednesday against CD Guadalajara. LAFC gets a full week of rest before visiting Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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