LAFC Ends Inter Miami´s Streak

IMAGE; LAFC Communications

The first leg between LAFC and Inter Miami ended with a 1-0 victory for the Black and Gold. BMO Stadium´s 22,000 seats were filled with LAFC fans and a majority supporting Lionel Messi. The Argentine and his team, commanded by his former club and National Team teammate Javier Mascherano, stepped in Downtown Los Angeles without losing. The Black and Gold, on the other hand, hosted the leading MLS team with an inconsistent season and a starting XI with multiple changes.

Two former soccer players in the bench, Javier Mascherano and Steve Cherundolo, borough their best starting lineup; LAFC with Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz as a false nine; and the team from Florida with Lionel Messi as a starter, Luis Suarez as a solid striker and the MLS caliver of Fafa Picault on the right wing.

The first half saw many tackles in the middle, a couple of fouls near the area of the Black and Gold, and Lionel Messi threating with free kicks. When Lionel placed the ball in the grass, evert cell phone camara at BMO Stadium hit recording; but none of the free kicks went to the net. Two went wide and the other, on the second half, was well-taken by Hugo Lloris. Personalities like Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry and singers like Becky G did not get to see the Argentine star do what he does best.

This contest had its main controversy on the first half. Nathan Ordaz and Maximiliano Falcon was disputing the ball through Miami´s area. The Salvadorian attacker elbowed the Uruguayan defender. After a VAR review, Ordaz was only given a yellow card. Javier Mascherano was clear on his opinion about such controversial play, ¨An aggression without the ball is a red card, here, in China and in the moon´.

LAFC posture was waiting for a counterattack. Denis Bouanga taking the bell on the right side, and Nathan Ordaz, who for many should be shown the red card on the first half, playing with freedom. However, the goal came through a long-distance strike by Ordaz, this at the 57th minute. Thus, LAFC won by a one-goal difference.

The second leg between LAFC and Inter Miami will take place next Tuesday at Chase Stadium. LAFC wins with any draw. Inter Miami has to win by two goals.