4 Takeaways From LAFC's Historic First Win In Club History

With hundreds of Supporters watching on as rain, and even hail, pelted down from the Seattle sky, LAFC escaped CenturyLink Field with a 1-0 victory and its first win in Club history. LAFC are just the second expansion team in MLS history to win their first road match - another Bob Bradley coached side, the 1998 Chicago Fire, being the first.

Diego Rossi provided the fireworks with a curling right-footed blast past Stefan Frei just 11 minutes into the match, while Laurent Ciman and Tyler Miller closed up shop on the other end of the pitch as the Sounders were as relentless as the weather on Sunday.

Here are four takeaways from the first three points in Club history:

So Many Firsts

First game in Club history. First goal. First points. First clean sheet. So many firsts for LAFC and their traveling fans in Seattle.

Speaking of the first goal in Club history. When Diego Rossi found the back of the net just 11 minutes into LAFC’s first-ever match, he tied the record for the earliest goal by an expansion team in their first MLS match. The Rossi strike matched a record set by Freddy Montero of the Sounders in the 2009 season against the NY Red Bulls. 

Ciman Wears The Captain’s Armband

Another first for the Club, as Laurent Ciman took the pitch as the first captain in a competitive match for LAFC.

“The General” put on a stellar display while wearing the armband against Seattle. After missing LAFC’s final three preseason matches, the Belgian center back was stifling with crunching tackles and well-timed interceptions over the course of 90 minutes.

Kaye And Feilhaber Clicking

The defensive midfield partnership of Mark-Anthony Kaye and Benny Feilbhaber had many people skeptical throughout preseason. But against Seattle, the two really seemed to find a groove at times.

Kaye, in particular, was an imposing presence in midfield. In his MLS debut, the Canadian midfielder was all over the pitch, employing Bob Bradley’s high press to perfection at times and restarting the LAFC attack in dangerous areas. His transition from defense to offense fell off at times, as he played some questionable balls that put LAFC under a bit of duress, but it was a performance for the young midfielder to build on.

Tyler Miller To The Rescue

In his return to Seattle, the goalkeeper was sure-handed. And he had to be.

Down 1-0 after 11 minutes, the Sounders attacked LAFC with a myriad of crosses. Forward Will Bruin was particularly dangerous, occupying both LAFC center backs and creating opportunities for onrushing attackers. Miller stood tall though as Seattle outshot LAFC 22-5, with seven shots on goal. Seattle also had the advantage in corners with seven to LAFC's one. But Miller's courageous collections in the midst of a crowded box and numerous goal-denying saves secured three points for the Club.