LAFC continued their blistering form atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings, as they beat FC Dallas 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium on Thursday night.
The teams were meeting for the first time this season, but will face each other again in a mere three days in Texas. Thursday's win was LAFC's first over FC Dallas after FCD went unbeaten against the Black & Gold in 2018.
10 minutes in, Carlos Vela's free kick clanged off the crossbar, but he found the breakthrough shortly before halftime, as Eduard Atuesta set up the Mexican as he made a run to split the defense, and Vela slotted the shot past FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez. It was his 13th goal in 13 games this season.
LAFC dominated play in the first half and finished the first 45 with 14 shots to FC Dallas' zero. But after the break, Dallas gained a grasp of the game and the teams were far more back-and-forth in terms of the run of play, although they never managed a shot on target all game.
Diego Rossi scored a late insurance tally for LAFC, set up by Adama Diomande, but the goal was initially waved off for offside in the buildup. Following Video Review, the call was overturned and the goal stood.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It was a mixed bag in terms of performance for both sides. LAFC got the win, but after a dominant first half, they struggled to maintain control after the break until the second goal went in. Dallas, meanwhile, walk away emptyhanded, but considering their many absences and a poor first half, they adjusted to really pressure LAFC in the second half, and can build on that for the next meeting.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: In a game decided by a single goal, that moment was pivotal, and showed the continued blinding form of Vela.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Eduard Atuesta was simply fantastic in the first half but ran out of gas in the second half, so the nod goes to Vela, an easy selection considering the star had a goal and was close to a couple more, as he continues to burnish his MVP credentials.
Next Up
- LAFC: Sunday, May 19 at FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE — Full TV & streaming info)
- DAL: Sunday, May 19 vs. LAFC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE — Full TV & streaming info)
