LAFC vs Galaxy
MLS 2021 Season - Match 20
Saturday, August 28, 2021
4:00 p.m. PT
TV: FOX, FOX Deportes
RADIO: 1110 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), KFWB 980 AM
Results have not come easy for an LAFC currently in its longest winless streak in Club history at seven. Last Saturday night’s loss was also the fourth straight, and to make matters worse, a late game comeback at that.
The Black and Gold’s Diego Rossi opened the scoring on scored on a penalty kick in the 45th minute to give LAFC a 1-0 lead at halftime, but Vancouver evened the match in the 60th minute with a goal from Brian White. The Club had chances to seal the win but couldn’t capitalize, and Vancouver’s Ryan Gauld would ultimately put the game away in the 89th minute.
“It's an awful feeling, you know. They come back and we lose again,” said LAFC goalkeeper Tomás Romero. “It's just not a good thing, obviously, we have to focus, take responsibility, and just find a way to take the game five minutes at a time and just move forward and learn.”
It’s no secret that everyone at the Club is ready to break this streak, and after a successfully hosted MLS All-Star game hosted at the Banc this week that featured a goal by Jesus Murillo on assist by Eduard Atuesta, there may be no better time for a statement game by the Club against crosstown rival Galaxy this Saturday afternoon.
This weekend marks the second rivalry matchup this year after LAFC fell to the Galaxy 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park, but it marks the season’s first matchup for the Club on home soil. Although the all-time record between the two rival sides lean in the Galaxy’s favor, each club has seven goals for and seven goals against at the Banc – so anything can happen tomorrow.
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GALAXY IN-DEPTH*
Tactically, they are a side that likes to slow the pace of the game down and are one of the best in the league on imposing their tempo. They stay well in their shape; they don’t try to press too high on the pitch and cross the ball quite well. An element that does work in LAFC’s favor though, last matchup the Galaxy featured a healthy Chicharito who had a hand in both goals, goals that may be seen to be sorely missed.
THE RISE OF FALL
The Club has continued to be plagued by injuries, most recently to Eddie Segura who underwent ACL surgery at the beginning of the month, but a positive outcome that has come about has been a recent mainstay on the backline who has stepped up in his place, 18-year old Mamadou Fall.
LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley was effusive in his praise of Fall after his first start on August 15 against Atlanta. “Fall, a young player with a lot confidence and a big presence on the field. When you look at some things that were positive from today's game, any minutes from him were positive.”
We’ll see if Mamadou can continue his rise in the biggest match of his young career.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
The Club can finish its chances and prevent serious chances off of Galaxy crosses, they will find success.
GALAXY CAN WIN IF
LAFC is caught in too much defensive transition and they are able to deliver a number of successful crosses, they can find success.
Inspired by Beverly Hills Cop (1984).
