By Josue Lopez
¨I did not miss you guys (members of the press), but it is part of my job¨, those were part of the opening remarks Carlos Vela gave to the press two hours before a game between LAFC, a team that fights for the top spot of the Western Conference: and Austin FC, an opponent potentially eliminated. A midweek game that seems more as an obstacle to the player´s physical and mental press took relevancy thanks to the return of Carlos Vela. The club legend has 93 goals and 54 assists, signed a new contract after 9 months of quality family time an a mind free of soccer.
The 4-3-3 formation that Steve Cherundolo brought to BMO Stadium had Hugo Lloris in goal; Rayan Hollingshead and Sergi Palencia on the sides; Maxime Chanot and Aaron Long as central dedenders; Erik Dueñas, Eddie Segura and Eduard Atuesta in the midfield; and a front three with Mateus Bogusz, Denis Bouanga and Oliver Giroud in the front.
A first half ended with the visitors scoring almost at the end of it. In the 43rd minute, Osman Bukati took the ball on the right side, went all the way inside the box, passed the ball tom Jader Obrian. With two touches, the Colombian winger placed the bell to the net to give Austin FC the 1-goal advantage.
Seeking a more offensive approach, LAFC took out Erik Dueñas and brought to the field the 18-year-old Venezuelan David Martinez, this at the 59th minute. It took only one minute for Martinez to make his presence known with a goal. As a dynamic ¨9¨ striker that is known to be, Oliver Giroud took the ball in the midfield, passed it to Eduard Atuesta. The follow up was a pass to the left side to Rayan Hollingshead. The left winger placed the ball in the area; with a first touch and a minute in the field, David Martinez scored the tie for the Black and Gold.
The following half and an hour of the game had one chance per team. Austin FC with a counterattack that ended with a strike by Guillermo Biros, and a corner kick on stoppage time that Denis Bouanga hit with strength placing the ball outside of the net. Thus, LAFC and Austin FC draw 1-1.
LAFC will continue this month facing their third Texan opponent, when they travel to Toyota Stadium to play against FC Dallas. Austin FC will also have a ¨Texas Battle¨ when they face Houston Dynamo at Q2 Stadium.
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