Two goals within four minutes of an action-packed first-half, from a red-hot Adama Diomande and from Latif Blessing, gave LAFC what they needed, as the expansion team sent Orlando City SC to a ninth straight defeat, 4-1, on Saturday night at Banc of California Stadium.
Orlando hit a hurdle midway through the first half, when captain Jonathan Spector came off with injury and had to be replaced by Chris Schuler. Shortly after, LAFC turned up the offensive heat, resulting in Diomande's and Blessing's quick-succession goals.
Orlando looked more lively to start the second half, though an apparent Diomande goal against the run of play was ruled offside in the 54th minute. Five minutes later, Sacha Kljestan scored OCSC's first goal in 330 minutes to close the gap. In the 72nd minute, it appeared as if Dom Dwyer had brought the Lions level, but that goal was disallowed after Video Review. As in the first half, LAFC got two quick second-half goals: Diomande's second, on a corner kick, and a dagger from Diego Rossi, playing a supersub role along with Carlos Vela.
The match, originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, was moved to the late start time to avoid triple-digit temperatures in the LA metro area; the kickoff was at a relatively temperate 88 degrees.
Goals
- 28' – LAFC – Adama Diomande | WATCH
- 32' – LAFC – Latif Blessing | WATCH
- 59' – ORL – Sacha Kljestan | WATCH
- 82' – LAFC – Adama Diomande | WATCH
- 84' – LAFC – Diego Rossi | WATCH
Three Things
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Tyler Miller
had some amazing saves throughout the game to help LAFC finish with the lopsided scoreline, but it's hard not to hand this honor over to a player who now has nine goals in his first seven matches. Turns out he's in some distinguished company.
Next Up
- LAFC: Sunday, July 15 vs. Portland Timbers (6 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
- ORLANDO CITY SC: Saturday, July 14 vs. Toronto FC (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
