LAFC Column
By: Jake Browning
Thursday, October 5th, 2023
LOS ANGELES — Turns out a regular season game for MLS is just as exciting as a Bowl Game. Who would have thought. The atmosphere, combined with Danny Bouanga’s explosive performance, made the LAFC a warm and welcoming experience for me.From the smoke cannons, drums, and Will Ferell holding a falcon, I can confidently say that LAFC and MLS in general are an industry to keep your eye on.
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Wednesday night’s game at BMO Stadium showcased Minnesota United FC’s final effort to secure a spot in the playoffs, while LAFC needed a win to secure their playoff berth. Both teams had an extreme drive to win this game, especially since it was LAFC’s last regular season home game, and they obviously had to put on a show. The first 6 minutes alone offered enough entertainment for the entire game. At 3:13, Hassani Dotson found himself in a lucky position after a blocked shot attempt to head in the first goal and early lead for Minnesota. Just two minutes later, LAFC responded with a textbook goal by Bouanga after receiving a beautiful cross from left field by Illie Sanchez. I think you can guess how the energy was after tying up the game. The thing about LAFC, however, is that the energy is nonstop. Whether it’s an absolute stalemate or the game is on the line, the fans behind the goal section are relentless. The drums are playing for 80 minutes out of 90, accompanied by chanting fans all shouting the same thing: “Dale! Dale! Black and gold!”. Go black and gold! That’s the entire mindset for their fans, and I was there for it.
The game itself was at a standstill for the remainder of the first half until the 36th minute. Cheers and chants rose in volume as Diego Palacios sprinted down the left field and headed towards the goal. As two defenders shed off Vela and Bouanga to combat the driving Palacios, Buoanga found himself wide open for a pass to drive it to 2–1. And that’s exactly what he did. And just to add insult to injury, less than 10 minutes later, Bouanga capitalized off a misdirected header from an incoming corner kick, threaded a needle for the shot and a hat trick, 3–1.
Minnesota had the opportunity to reorient their defense during halftime, seemingly the only way to save their season, and yet it appears they did nothing with that time. LAFC may as well have adopted the ball considering how long they had possession of it in the first half. There was a lack of cohesion on the part of Minnesota, and it is unfortunate if you were hoping they would figure it out in the locker room. Within one minute of the second half, Christian Oliviera completed a stunning redirect off a Palacios pass from beyond the penalty area. Minnesota continued to struggle and appeared to giveup after the 60th minute, failing to gain any momentum for a comeback. The nail in the coffin was struck in the 66th minute when Filip Krastev broke away on a fast break, with only one defender to beat, and took advantage of the space the goalie had left between himself and the goal. After that moment, it was a game of keep away for LAFC. Both Bouanga and Vela were subbed out at the 75th minute and from there it became a defensive game. Minnesota was unable to penetrate the five-man defense, gaining no traction. The final minutes of the game saw their team’s hopes extinguished.
The end result was that LAFC broke their cold streak and secured a spot in the playoffs, while Minnesota returned home disappointed, hoping for another opportunity in the next season.
