5 takeaways from LAFC’s 4-3 loss to LA Galaxy

The LA Galaxy were content to sit back and force Los Angeles Football Club to work on offense. But, in about three minutes that tactic was no good, but LAFC capitalized as Carlos Vela propelled the Black & Gold to a 3-0 halftime lead against the Galaxy in the first El Trafico in Carson.

But, the Galaxy responded with three of their own, including two late from new signee Zlatan Ibrahimovic that tied the game, then won it for the Galaxy.

Now, we examine five takeaways from El Trafico:

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LAFC offense is electrifying

I said it once already and I will say it again. This LAFC front line is nothing short of exciting to watch. From Marcos Urena, Diego Rossi, Latif Blessing and Vela, I think it could be argued that LAFC’s front four are among the best in the league. Rossi has had a hand in just about every goal that he hasn’t scored himself. It’s a good thing Bob Bradley decided not to tinker with the lineup after the international break because it looks as if the front line didn’t miss a beat, even with the lull in games.

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Carlos Vela

That is about all you really have to say. There were some questions about his ability to find the net after failing to do so against Seattle. However, his brace against the Galaxy coupled with his goal against Real Salt Lake put him on three goals on the season. Consider now, LAFC has two of the top five scorers in MLS.

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Maybe LAFC got caught up in the Zlatan hype

Honestly, LAFC controlled the game up until about the 65th minute when Sigi Schmid subbed in Ibrahimovic. Even though Chris Pontius got the second goal to pull the Galaxy closer, LAFC seemed to play with their feet in quicksand after that. They moved a step slower and those crisp, clean passes from the first half were no where to be found. Ibra is exciting, but really?

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This was the first of many exciting El Trafico meetings

Don’t be mistaken, this is going to be a great rivalry. While the New York rivalry yields little excitement, this west coast clash will likely provide fans on both sides something to look forward to every year. And, just to add to it, the teams play each other thrice this year. I think this will be the best rivalry in MLS – yes, better than NYCFC-New York Red Bulls, Atlanta United-Orlando City, Montreal-Toronto and Seattle Sounders FC-Vancouver Whitecaps.

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OK, the Ibrahimovic goal was exciting, but …

Consider that LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller was way out of position after taking the ensuing free kick. Granted, Miller should have gotten back faster, or not taken the kick in the first place, but Ibra’s shot was one for the highlight reel. It really didn’t matter how the game ended that shot was going to make everyone’s top 10 list this weekend.

There were so many other things to take away from this game, like the LAFC fans. Watching the game, you could hear the LAFC faithful make the StubHub Center shake and that is something to be proud of.

What do you think? Post your comment below!