Real Salt Lake try to park the bus but LAFC strike late

Looking to continue their good form, Los Angeles FC welcomed Real Salt Lake to the Banc of California Stadium. LAFC have started the season well, claiming seven points out of a possible nine. The Black and Gold beat Real Salt Lake in both of their previous regular season meetings by a combined score of 7-1. But in the MLS playoffs, Real Salt Lake eliminated LAFC last season by a 3-2 scoreline.

LAFC managed to make the playoffs in their first season and have started the second season in a similar vein. Real Salt Lake have had more difficulties. RSL came into this match with four points out of nine but have struggled for goals. They have only scored two goals this season, both by Albert Rusnak who would miss this game as he was on international duty for Slovakia. With their leading, and only, goalscorer missing this match, RSL wondered where their goals would come from.

Playing during an international break is always a challenge for MLS teams, and this match tested the squad depth for both sides. Each made several changes and gave debuts to several young players.

Early in this match, LAFC were able to control possession and this was a pattern that continued throughout the night. Real Salt Lake took the lead from a penalty in the 35th minute, but LAFC were able to equalise within five minutes. The amount of possession LAFC had increased in the second half, especially after Real Salt Lake were reduced to 10-men.

It looked like the visitors were going to hold out for the point until the 92nd minute, when centre-back Walker Zimmerman lashed a long-range strike into the top corner. With this goal, LAFC continued their positive start to the season with a 2-1 victory.

Lineups

Former Swansea City manager Bob Bradley has built a quality side in Los Angeles. He made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with NYCFC last week at Yankee Stadium. Adama Diomande got his first start of the season, playing as the striker in place of Christian Ramirez, who was with the United States Men’s National Team. Mark-Anthony Kaye was called up by the Canadian National Team, so Andre Horta made his first appearance of the season in midfield. The final change saw Steven Beitashour getting the start at right-back, with Danilo Silva dropped to the bench.

Entering his third season with Real Salt Lake, Mike Petke made four changes to the side that had suffered a 5-0 defeat away to DC United the previous weekend. After receiving red cards, both Marcelo Silva and Jefferson Savario missed this match with suspensions. With these bans, the inexperienced Donald Toia and Erik Holt came into the back line.