(East Los Angeles, CA) May 3, 2022 [From The Editor’s Desk]: The now top ranked LAFC (7-1-1) = (22 points), continued on their merry and methodical march to the #1 spot in the standings of the MLS Western Conference with a convincing, but late match victory over the Minnesota United Football Club (MNUFC) in Sunday’s clash at the Banc of California Stadium.

Compared to the beautiful Spring Day of 73 degrees in the City of Angels, the evening brought a brisker environment that began with a 63 degree reading at “kick-off” time. Nonetheless, it was time for the avid Black & Gold supporters to fill the stadium with their emotion, pride, and energy while transmitting all of the aforementioned to their team.

(Pre-Game Festivities): Master Falconer, Ken Miknuk and “Olly” performed their famous and dynamic “Falcon’s Flight,” and as always, dominated the Stadium’s already frenetic and buzzing atmosphere. And never forget to add in Grupo 3252’s fervent rendition of the Stars Spangled Banner, and away we go.

(Match Summary): {1st Half} LAFC broke from the gate and immediately attacked (MNUFC) from directly in front of the goal, but it was short-lived as the visitors cleared it out quickly. The next (15:00) minutes was spent with open field attacks and counter-attacks by both squads, but no heavy artillery was sighted. Both teams had their corner kicks but again, no serious scoring attempts were logged by either team on the rebounds of those shots.

To view Match highlights, click here 

During the next span of time, LAFC brought the crowd to its feet with two 30 yard + long shots on goal, but the visitor’s goalie, Dayne St. Clair, blocked them both nicely, turning away the threats. Finally, at the (42:00) mark, MNUFC had a good look at the goal, but Maxime Crépeau easily stopped it with a big scoop up. LAFC countered that with two very suspenseful attacks but could not muster enough power and energy to push through for a goal.

(HALF-TIME SCORE): LAFC  0  Minnesota United Football Club (MNUFC)  0

{2nd Half} MNUFC came out firing, missing an open shot from the 18 yard box, at the (47:00) minute mark. Crépeau luckily saw it pass above the right side of the goal. Then, at the (50th minute), and after a side throw-in by Vela, LAFC had 2 direct shots on goal but missed them both, drawing lots of “ooohs and ahhhhs” from the 3252 crowd as it all happened right in front of them.

At minute (54:00), another LAFC sniper attack took place, but it resulted in a good goal-keeping defensive play with a clearing kick. A great defense by the Black & Gold right at top of 18 yard mark denied a shot on goal by MNUFC. Reserves were then sent in for LAFC by Head Coach Steve Cherundolo at minute (63:00). At (68:00), another Penalty Kick was awarded to LAFC and was taken Vela. His shot was low, blocked, and cleared by the visitors.

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(Photo Gallery): Javier Perez, East L.A. Sports Scene Productions, LLC

At minute (72:00), Arango‘s shot on goal to the right corner was caught nicely by MNUFC’s goalie, St. Clair. This would set-up a pattern of rapid-fire attacks by the Black & Gold. It certainly was putting more pressure on the extremely busy goal-keeper. At minute (75:00), another LAFC shot taken was high and above the netting, followed by yet another attempt taken at (77:00), again with no luck. Finally, on a corner kick rebound, at minute (82:00) #24/Ryan Hollingshead, who subbed in at (74:00), looped his right-footed deflector into the goal, making it (1-0) LAFC. The assist went to Franco Escobar. At (84:00) a Yellow Card was issued against MNUFC, when Chicho Arango was fouled for a Penalty Kick that was spotted on the pitch at the upper left side. The primary shot was taken but blocked at goal. At minute (86:00), Danny Musivski took a shot and missed from close range. At minute (89:00), a crosser was timely sent into the “sweet spot” in front of the goal for José Cifuentes, moving the score to (2-0), Black & Gold. Assists were given to Diego Palacios and Francisco Ginnela after they masterfully played a “2-on-2” pattern on the end-line just before passing the sphere toward the goal. Referee, Allen Chapman, added 3:00 minutes of stoppage time but it was all “academic” by then. 

(FINAL SCORE): LAFC  2  Minnesota United Football Club  (MNUFC)  0

(ATTENDANCE): 22,010

(MAN OF THE MATCH): #24/Ryan Hollingshead

(NEXT UP): Philadelphia Union, Saturday, May 7th @ 8:00 pm. To Watch: MLS LIVE on ESPN+, KCOP 13, Estrella TV;  To Listen: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App.| 980 KFWB La Mera, Mera