Los Angeles FC came back to beat Vancouver on Monday to continue their unbeaten run and stay top of the Western Conference League.
After four games, LAFC have won three times and drawn once whilst only conceding twice. Their new manager for this season, Steve Cherundolo reflected on his side’s performance: “We are happy with the result and very happy with the reaction after going down with a goal in the first half. As I’ve got to know this group, I’ve realised they have an ability to react to situations and come together and find a way to win.”
Ryan Hollingshead scored his first-ever brace for the Black and Gold on Monday. A thumping header in the 27th and a brilliantly struck half-volley in the 70th to seal the victory. “As a defender, I am not in goal-scoring opportunities enough to get braces very often but I do sneak some goals in here and there,” said the 30-year-old. “We did really well defensively tonight. They can’t break us down and we’re not going to let them in behind.”
Embed from Getty Images“They’re probably the best team in the league,” said Vanni Sartini, Vancouver’s manager after their third loss in the new campaign’s four opening games. “In terms of talent and their players’ ability, they’re the best. There’s no shame in losing here because a lot of teams will.”
The Whitecaps did go ahead in the 12th minute through Tristan Blackmon but failed to take advantage of their lead. “We had the chance to go two ahead and we should have dealt with their first goal better,” said Sartini. “We’ve got to use this game as a building block.”
Vancouver are currently bottom of the Western Conference and haven’t won this season. After the international break, a win against their next opponents, Kansas City, would move them into 12th.
Carlos Vela scored LAFC’s second of the game on Monday to put them into the lead in the 38th minute. The Mexican has now scored four goals this season and is the league’s joint-top scorer with Brandon Vázquez and Lucas Zelarayán.
Embed from Getty ImagesEstablished in 2014, LAFC are yet to win the MLS Cup, but after a strong start to this season, they’re on track to reach the end of season payoffs and take home the Supporters Shield. Their next opponents, Orlando, have played the same amount of games and scored five fewer goals.
