ClapOne of the biggest games this weekend not only in North America but in world football was contested between Los Angeles FC and Atlanta United. It was one of those West vs East clashes that really does wet the appetite, because nine times out of ten, you just don’t know what’s going to happen next.
As reported by MLS Soccer and The Guardian, we saw one of the most entertaining games of the Major League Soccer season so far as LAFC came from behind to defeat Atlanta and strengthen their grip on the Western Conference lead.
Hitting that next level
Coming into this game it really did feel like if Atlanta could get off to a positive start, they could really put the pressure on Los Angeles. Alas, while they may not have followed through on that entirely, they certainly got off to the kind of start they would’ve been dreaming of as Mo Adams gave them the lead less than two minutes after kick-off.
The home side remained patient, though, and after soaking up a bit more pressure, they slowly forced their way into the game and started to take over. Then, in a bizarre 12 minute span, they blew Atlanta away with the kind of performance that will be remembered long after this season is over.
Adama Diomande was able to equalise in the 33rd minute, and then five minutes later, Diego Rossi turned the game on its head by putting them into the lead. Not long after that it was time for leading man Carlos Vela to shine, with his penalty giving LAFC a two-goal advantage. Then, before Atlanta even knew what to do with themselves, Eduard Atuesta made it four with half time lingering.
Josef Martinez pulled one back before the break to leave the scoreline at 4-2, and then after they had some time to compose themselves, they pulled another goal back as Eddie Segura’s own goal in the 51st minute set up a grandstand finish.
Forcing the issue
Despite that, though, the goalscoring was over for the day, as ATL fell to LA in the kind of game that will be looked back on for many years to come. It was a huge ‘bounce back’ moment for Los Angeles, whereas for reigning champions Atlanta, they’ll need to go back to the drawing board and fast.
“The truth is that this objective we set out is to be able to really win a title,” said Carlos Vela. “Obviously I am not satisfied, I want to continue ascending more. I want more, and hopefully I can continue along this path.”
“You have to step up and we did it,” Vela said. “We did a great job. We have to keep working. We’re in the hardest part of the season and have to finish strong. We want to be first [place] and if we want to finish first then we have to win our remaining games.”
Vela knows what it takes to reach that next level, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for this young and hungry team.
