(East Los Angeles, CA) April 29, 2021 [From The Editor’s Desk]: The LAFC are warming up to their fantastic fanbases with “clutch” match plays, as witnessed by their (1-1) tie with the Seattle Sounders of the Western Conference. The match took place last Saturday, 4/24 at the Banc of California Stadium in the Exposition Park sector of the City.

If not for the quickest goal in LAFC’s four-year history, made by the Colombian, Eduard Atuesta, at officially, the 2 minute mark, on a penalty kick, perhaps the match does not end in a (1-1) tie and the club does not earn its (1) point earned for the draw. 

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But nonetheless, without giving you an imaginary match-tying goal at the 54th minute, from Seattle’s Brad Smith, on an incredible “header” from in front of the net, after he took the rebound, well, that’s exactly what happened in Saturday’s confrontation. Once again, striker, Diego Rossi was not available to compete due to the rehabbing of his injury, as was Carlos Vela, still nursing his muscle aggravation from the Club’s season opener  on 4/17 vs. Austin F.C.

[Match Summary] – (1st Half): Grupo 3252’s size grew bigger due to the last-minute ruling that all those who could prove that they were completely vaccinated, were eligible to sit in that area of the Stadium. Apparently, other sections were provided the same offer. COVID-19 crowd and fan compliance rulings were still held in strict observance by Club officials.

Now, on to the match we go. Other than Atuesta’s goal, both teams appeared to be primarily playing in first gear mode. Not many shots on goals and not too many critical or tactical errors. And so with no major runs or momentum builders by either side, the half ended in a (1-0) lead for the home team.

(2nd Half): It appeared that the Black & Gold were still lackadaisical on the offensive side of the ball. Without Vela and Rossi, their firearm didn’t seem to be loaded at all. Mark Anthony Kaye and Corey Baird could not find the rhythm for multiple shots or attacks on goal. Kaye’s best attempt came at the 70th minute when he just missed an open attempt at the left side of the net.

In an effort to spur momentum, Head Coach Bob Bradley substituted freely and put in Bryce Duke at the 64th minute, then at the 81st minute, he replaced José Cifuentes with Francisco Ginella, and followed that with replacing Marco Farfan with Raheem Edwards, and Cal Jennings for Kwadwo Opoku, to try and muster up an offense and break the tie. But after that spurt, there was not much left in the gas tank, and then the final whistle was sounded by Referee, Armando Villareal. The Black & Gold then saluted their opponent as they left the pitch and then called it a day of at least a slight reward, with the earning of a point added to their season team totals.

(FINAL SCORE):  LAFC  1  Seattle 1

(Team Game Stats): Time of Possession- LAFC 50% – Seattle 49%; Shots – 9 each; Shots On Goal – LAFC 4  Seattle  3; Corner: LAFC 6  Seattle  3; Passing Accuracy – LAFC 79.7 % Seattle 74.2%

(Next Up): LAFC next takes to the road for a match-up with the Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, May 1st with Kick-Off set for 12:50 pm (PST).

(Media Coverage): TV – Univision, TUDN, Twitter (English audio); MLS Live on DAZN; Radio – 980 AM  La Mera, Mera; 1110 AM ESPN & ESPN App.

(Press Release): Here is LAFC’s Statement On Chauvin Verdict Issued on April 20, 2021 at 3:00 pm.