5 reactions from LAFC’s 2-2 draw against Orlando City

Los Angeles Football Club did have a game during this International break, and they ended up drawing with Orlando City SC 2-2 in Florida on Saturday.

Here’s what stood out about that game to us.

Winless in 3

LAFC have entered a mini-slump now, having not won in their last three games in MLS. There have been a variety of factors in play: Carlos Vela’s injury, Walker Zimmerman’s absence for International duty, the just overall weirdness of the Galaxy game.

Still, LAFC have not been as sharp in this stretch as they would like to have been, and they have maybe their toughest game of the season next week in Philly.

LAFC has built such a lead that they can avoid a slump, and still clinch first in the west and most likely the Supporters’ Shield sooner rather than later.

Still, I’m sure the team and Bob Bradley especially want to revert to their top of the league form as the playoffs approach.

Orlando City much improved

Orlando City SC has had the opposite experience of LAFC since joining the league as an expansion team in 2015.

They have yet to make the playoffs since joining MLS, and they were particularly dreadful last season.

This Orlando City team is much improved from last year’s outfit, though, and definitely deserved at least a point in this match.

The arrival of Nani as a Designated Player in the offseason has certainly helped, and Orlando are much more organized than last season, and more defensively solid.

Orlando City are not a pushover like they were last year, and it showed in this match.

Dio the Provider

One of the criticisms of Adama Diomande as a striker is that he does not always link up with his fellow forwards well. This was more prevalent last season, but is still an area of improvement in his game.

Dio was very good with his hold-up and link-up play in this game, and in particular his assist on Diego Rossi’s equalizing goal.

He played a great ball into a pocket of space at the top of the box, and Rossi ran onto it and finished well.

When Carlos Vela comes back, Diomande won’t be as much of a focal point of the offense, but it’s good to see that he can help facilitate when he has the chance.

Adrien Perez gets his goal

A few weeks ago it was Josh, and now Adrien Perez got his first goal for LAFC, in what was also his first start for LAFC.

It was a really nice moment for him, and a good sign that as some of the less used players are pressed into action, they can still contribute on the scoreboard.

Goalkeeper rotation

After Pablo Sisniega started the game against Minnesota United, Tyler Miller was back between the sticks against Orlando City.

Miller was fine in net vs Orlando. Neither goal was really his fault, and he did well enough against crosses, and got off his line when he needed too.

Still, it feels like there is something missing there. Both keepers have had chances to cement themselves as the No. 1 ‘keeper, and neither has done so with overwhelming confidence.

Bob Bradley is not afraid to make a move, so expect to see both keepers playing during the final stretch of the regular season.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!