The road has not been kind lately to LAFC.
Heading into Tuesday night’s match against Minnesota United, LAFC had lost four straight matches away from Banc of California Stadium, and Tuesday night looked to be more of the same, as Brad Kallman scored for Minnesota just before halftime.
This time however, LAFC had a response, and it came from its leader. Carlos Vela delivered a superb strike in the middle stages of the second half to level the match, and LAFC made sure the goal stood up, and while it didn’t get the win, LAFC did put an end to the road losing streak with the 1-1 draw at Allianz Field.
The point gained in the draw is important for LAFC (19-8-4, 61 points). Not only does it allow them stay within striking distance of the Philadelphia Union for the Supporter Shield, as LAFC is two points back of the Union, but it puts them in position to clinch the top seed in the Western Conference should it defeat the Houston Dynamo at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday night, though it could solidify the top spot if results in matches prior to its Sunday night match go their way.
Minnesota took the lead just as the first half was heading into stoppage time. Emmanuel Reynoso sent a corner into the penalty area and Kallman headed a ball towards goal, the ball snuck past keeper Maxime Crepeau near post to give Minnesota the lead heading into halftime. Minnesota held the lead for the first 18 minutes of the second half, but LAFC turned to its leader Vela for a spectacular equalizer, as Vela received a ball from Kellyn Acosta, took a touch that enabled him to get into shooting motion, then unleashed a left-footed laser that sailed past keeper Dayne St. Clair far post for a golazo that leveled the match.
