Los Angeles, CA – LAFC is looking to build from its impressive inaugural season last year, and on Sunday night in its 2019 season opener, LAFC sneaked in a goal seconds before stoppage time expired to knock Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in Banc of California Stadium.
In the 84th minute, Sporting Kansas City’s Roger Espinoza #17 was a shown his second yellow of the match after taking down Mark-Anthony Kaye #14 from behind. LAFC’s Adama Diomande #99 found the back of the net in the 94th minute with a right footed shot, coming from just inside the box.
KC was the only team to sweep LAFC in league play in the 2018 MLS season.
It didn’t take long for the home team to allow its first goal of the young season. Sporting KC’s Krisztian Nemeth broke through in the 16th minute with a shot from the center of the box after receiving a pass from teammate Johnny Russell.
Sporting KC played with the momentum for most of the match.
LAFC was able to add the equalizer just minutes after kicking off the 2nd half. In the 47th minute, Diego Rossi #9 dribbled his way into the penalty boxed and curled in a right-footed shot that went just past Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Milea #29.
Forward Carlos Vela #10 had a quiet evening with 5 shots and only 2 on target. KC looked to have a physical game plan when defending the Mexican. Vela drew a total of 5 fouls.
KC reached MLS Western Conference Championship but fell to Portland. Not only is being able to start the season with a victory a plus, being able to do it against a team which haunted them last year must be big for the teams confidence.
LAFC will have another tough task next Sunday when the team heads to Portland to face the Timbers Sunday 4:30 PT.
