LAFC continues as conference leader with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas
LAFC #10 Carlos Vela (F) had two assists against the FC Dallas defense at the Banc of California Stadium. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.
LOS ANGELES CA, - Los Angeles FC, scored two second-half goals, and Carlos Vela had two assists in a 3-1 win over FC Dallas on Wednesday night at the Banc of California Stadium. LAFC improved to 11-3-3 with 36 points and remained atop the Western Conference.
LAFC has dominated the second half of games this season, scoring a league-best 22 goals after halftime while allowing only three, the fewest in Major League Soccer. They are the only team that has not been outscored in the second half of any match this season.
"It was a great evening for LAFC," Los Angeles coach Steve Cherundolo said. "It was an exciting day, starting with the press conference for Giorgio Chiellini and finishing the day with a very good performance."
Vela almost gave LAFC an early lead, but his header missed right. Ryan Hollingshead also missed a header from the center of the box. In the 23rd minute, LAFC took a 1-0 lead when Danny Musovski blasted a right-footed shot to the top center of the goal.
Dallas FC equalized the score 1-1 in the 38th minute on a sensational goal by Jesus Ferreira from a free-kick. The right-footed shot went past the goalkeeper to the top-right corner.
Cristian Arango gave the LAFC a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute on a tough left-footed shot to the bottom right corner. This was the Colombians' 6th goal of the season.
Kwadwo Opoku replaced Musovski in the second half and didn't waste any time as he gave LAFC a 3-1 lead in the 86th minute with a goal from outside the box to the top left corner.
"It feels good to be on the score sheet and help the team win," Opoku said. "It's an amazing feeling."
LAFC announced two big signings to upgrade the squad. Italian defender Chiellini, 37, was signed to a contract using Targeted Allocation Money through 2023. The Italian star spent 17 years with Serie A Juventus FC.
The Club also signed forward Garett Bale, 32, to a 12-month contract using Targeted Allocation Money with options through 2024.
A five-time UEFA Champions League winner, Bale joins LAFC following a successful nine-year career with LaLiga's Real Madrid that saw him win an unprecedented 19 trophies since 2013.
Bale was named the Best Player of the 2018 Champions League and won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup.
LAFC is back in action Saturday when they hit the road to take on Vancouver. Dallas FC will host. Miami on Monday.