As draws go, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more thrilling one than LAFC's 2-2 draw with NYCFC on Sunday.
Here are the takeaways from the match:
Teams Go Toe-To-Toe
In the final match of a stacked MLS weekend, LAFC and NYCFC didn't disappoint.
Neither side was willing to compromise its identity on the day. The result was a really entertaining match.
There were chances at each end, great pace to the match, and at the final whistle, a draw seemed a fair result for both sides.
Zimmerman And Ciman Lead From The Back
The partnership of Walker Zimmerman and Laurent Ciman has hit its stride in recent matches.
David Villa's only real opportunity during the match came from NYCFC's penalty in the 13th minute. Other than that, the two center backs denied the Spaniard service at every turn.
Zimmerman and Ciman's ability to step up frustrated NYCFC's attack throughout. Take a look at all the defensive interventions the pair had.
Bob Bradley has challenged his defense to maintain a high line in recent weeks. The process took time for Ciman and Zimmerman to strike the correct balance. But they seem to have found what works for each other's strengths on the pitch.
The ability to stymy attacks by stepping up into the opponent's half also helped LAFC pin the Cityzens in their own end for long stretches. Performances like this go a long way in continuing to forge LAFC's ultimate identity.
Morález Has An Eye For Little Pockets Of Space
If there was one man LAFC had a tough time dealing with tonight, it was Maxi Morález.
The diminutive playmaker orchestrated NYCFC's best attacks, dictating play from between the lines of the LAFC midfield and backline. LAFC just couldn't seem to get close enough to him most of the night.
In second half, LAFC was able to neutralize service to Morález by clamping down on play through the center of the pitch. But a few bad giveaways nearly resulted in midfielder picking out teammates rushing into attack. Luckily for LAFC, Zimmerman and Ciman were stellar in transition.
Blessing Man Of The Match
Latif Blessing had his most influential match this season for LAFC. The YouTube TV Man of the Match was great on both sides of the ball.
Early in the match, Blessing's marauding runs down the right were LAFC's biggest threat. As the match wore on, the forward harassed NYCFC on the press, forcing multiple turnovers and spring LAFC counter attacks.
But by far it was the Ghanaian's best passing performance. Of the Blessing's five key passes in the match, four were in the NYCFC penalty area.
First Goal In the North End
Through three and a half matches at Banc of California Stadium, LAFC had scored five goals. None of them into the net at the North End.
Carlos Vela put an end to that streak, finishing a close-range chance to give LAFC a 2-1 lead in the 66th minute. The first goal in the Supporter's Section end didn't result in three points, but it will never be forgotten.
