LA Galaxy made an upset to defeat the favorites LAFC in El Trafico last night. The hosts smashed last year’s Supporters’ Shield winner, 3-0, with Sebastian Lletget being the star of the match.
The attacking midfielder netted twice in the second 45 minutes, with the latter goal being one of the most impressive this year.
Lletget would score a fantastic overhead bicycle-kick, with the ball bouncing off the turf and entering goal past Pablo Sisiniega. Previously we saw FC dominating the pitch in the first half, having 14 goal attempts and Galaxy just one. LAFC had seven shots on target, while Galaxy didn’t have any. It was a true miracle for not seeing the guest hitting the back of the net at least once.
[embed]https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1302827633508573185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/embed]The old rule in soccer is that once you miss a lot of chances, the punishment usually arrives with the rival’s first shot. And that was exactly what happened here.
Cristian Pavon broke the bank in the 52nd minute, with a fantastic lob from the edge of the box’s left side. It was a wonderful goal, maybe more attractive than Lletget’s.
It was a shocker for LAFC, but not nearly as what followed shortly after. Their midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye’s tackle on Julian Araujo earned the midfielder a red card, some 60 seconds later. It was a knockout from which Bob Bradley’s side couldn’t recover.
Lletget’s first score came following a set-piece, where he and Emiliano Insua deceived the entire LAFC’s defense. Insua sent a low cross that fell exactly on Lletget’s foot. Even though he had a crowded goalkeeper area in front of him, the 28-year old found a way to the net.
[embed]https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1302824383099080706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/embed]Unlike the first 45 minutes, FC didn’t have a single shot on target, while on the other side, Galaxy recorded five of them. The entire situation changed so radically in a matter of one minute, and instead of seeing almost a sure victory of the guests, the game ended with a massive triumph of the hosts.
Galaxy now has four straight victories, with two goals scored in each one of them. Meanwhile, LAFC lost four in the previous five, allowing three goals for the second time in three events.
Up next, LA Galaxy visits San Jose and the Earthquakes on September 13, while LAFC meets Real Salt Lake at home, this Wednesday.