LAFC got back to winning ways in Vancouver, collecting all three points north of the border. A pair of second-half goals and a clean sheet got the job down for the Black & Gold. Let's dive into the takeaways from this match:
Rolling Out A New Formation
Bob Bradley shifted to a 3-4-3 from the start against Vancouver. Whether the three center backs were intended to neutralize Kei Kamara, we'll never know, as the Whitecaps' forward was ruled out of the match after picking up a knock in training.
Either way, with Laurent Ciman, Walker Zimmerman, and Dejan Jakavic working as a trio, LAFC held Vancouver to just three shots on target in the match. It was a welcome change from the side that had conceded nine times in the last 120 minutes prior.
Back In The Goals
LAFC put an end to their 192-minute scoreless streak with goals from Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi in the second half.
The pair continue to lead the way for LAFC with four goals each.
Vela Magic
Speaking of Vela. I could watch this goal all day.
Another stunning strike from the Mexican. He finds himself with all kinds of time and pinpoints that top corner. And a reminder to MLS defenses, if you give him space in and around the box, he will punish you.
Clean Sheet
The best way to meet your detractors after letting in nine goals in the last two matches? A clean sheet, of course.
The aforementioned trio of Ciman, Zimmerman, and Jakavoic were stellar against Vancouver. Did not facing Kamara help? Probably. But Vancouver never really threatened LAFC on the night. The three center backs played deep, and the Whitecaps couldn't find away behind or through them.
Finishing Strong
Following the controversial penalty call at Atlanta, LAFC fell completely flat. Or as Bradley put it, the team "lost their way."
There were no such lapses against the Whitecaps, and Bradley got exactly the response he would have wanted. Even when things got a bit chippy at the end, the LAFC players kept their mentality intact and finished with a professional performance.
Starting the season with six matches on the road would be tough for any side, let alone an expansion team. But after taking care of business in Vancouver, LAFC now has nine points from its first five matches. A very respectable start.
