PHOTO: LAFC Communications
Los Angeles Football Club and the Vancouver Whitecaps had a competitive match on Friday night at BMO Stadium. A third game was necessary, and it almost went to penalty shootouts, but a solitary goal by ¨Polish Power¨¨ Mateusz Bogusz gave the Black and Gold the victory and the place at the Western Conference semifinals.
With uncertainty at the number 9 position, LAFC had Hugo Lloris in goal; Maxime Chanot, Marlon and captain Aaron Long in defense; Sergi Palencia and Rayan Hollingshead in the side; Timothy Tillman and Lewis O'Brien in the midfield; and a attack with Designated Player Denis Bouanga, Cristian Olivera, and the diverse tactical awareness of Mateus Bogusz.
The first half was competitive and did not have that many chances. Denis Bouanga had a traditional left side shot, but a good defensive position by former LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon did not allow the African star to have a comfortable position to strike. The Whitecaps created its opportunity by applying high pressure to the goalkeeper, Brian White touched the bll three times, stroke it. Hugo Lloris saved the ball deflecting it to the left side. With these two clear chances, the first half ended without goals.
Seeking for more diversity in offense, Steve Cherundolo brought Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta and Oliver Giroud taking out Marlon and Cristian Olivera. The movement that the French striker has open a chance for Denis Bouanga, but it went wide.
It was until the 62nd minute that the ball went ended touching the net. A header by captain Aaron Long was deflected by Andrés Cubas. Mateusz Bogusz took the ball, conducted it through the area and place it to the net scoring the one and only goal for the Black and Gold. Thus, LAFC was victorious in the third game of the ¨best of three¨.
LAFC will play once again against the Seattle Sounders either on Saturday the 23rd or Sunday. This will be the fourth encounter between two of the most succesfull clubs in recent Major League Soccer history. Last season, LAFC defeated the Sounders at Lumen Field; in two weeks, this rivalry will take place at BMO Stadium.
