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LAFC and NYCFC Draw in Our First Visit to Banc of California Stadium

By Alex Zatarain
Carlos Vela celebrates his goal vs NYCFC. May 13, 2018. Banc of California Stadium. Getty Images Sport/Harry How.

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This weekend The AOSN was given the privilege to explore the Los Angeles Football Club’s new home, Banc of California Stadium. Here, I talk about my experience and LAFC’s match-up against New York City Football Club.

Driving into Los Angeles is always a daunting task. If there’s anything the City of Angels is known for other than Hollywood and a few other attractions, it is the amount of traffic. Five hours before gametime, a gray layer covered the city, making it a potentially more exciting drive and posing the question of how the weather would be at kickoff.

After driving past a few traffic jams, I found myself driving down Figueroa Street. After finding parking, I walked past the University of Southern California (USC) and took in Exposition Park. The skies finally began to clear, letting down rays of sunshine upon Banc of California Stadium.

If you do not know Los Angeles, USC is just southwest of downtown LA. Across the street, you can find the historic Los Angeles Coliseum. Next to that? The new home of the Los Angeles Football Club.

Major League Soccer’s newest soccer-specific stadium is an object to marvel at. The 22,000-seater saw its first match on April 29th, 2018, only two weeks before this game against NYCFC.

Like anything else new, there is an adjustment period as to getting to know how things run or work. This is not to say staff was falling short, of course. Rather, this is a testament as to how well they have adapted in their first weeks. The hospitality from top to bottom was superb. Staffers were friendly, willing to help, and communicating clearly on every situation put in front of them.

This was only the beginning. The LAFC supporters group known as The 3252 began their day just outside of the gates, barbecuing and playing games. They were quite a diverse collection of fans eating, drinking, and merry as can be. This was five hours before the game. An hour before, those same fans could be seen packing up the north side of the stadium, waving flags and singing to the pace of the percussionists. The singing continued for an hour and only briefly paused as LAFC and NYCFC prepared for kick-off.

LAFC Lineup

 

NYCFC Lineup

 

At this point LAFC had not lost at home, notching two wins and a draw in their first three matches at Banc of California Stadium.

Both teams came out calm and collected. The game got off to a bit of a rough start when both LAFC’s Walker Zimmerman and NYCFC’s Sebastien Ibeagha ran into the back wall in the third minute of play.

It was not long after when NYC found an early lead. Eduard Atuesta was called for the handball after referee Chris Penso called on the virtual assistant referee, implemented in the MLS last season.

David Villa took the penalty kick which was initially blocked by Tyler Miller. The ball rebounded favorably towards Villa, who buried it with a header to give NYC the 13th-minute lead.

 

LAFC looked to respond immediately afterwards, as a cross from Latif Blessing from the right looked dangerous. It was quickly cleared for a corner kick that ended up being harmless.

The first caution of the game was given to Yangel Herrera of NYC for a tackle on Carlos Vela. It would be the first of four yellow cards in the first half,  and the only one for NYC.

NYC nearly found the back of the net again in the 19th minute when Ben Sweat sent a floater to Villa. The Spanish striker could not get enough on the ball, giving Miller an easy save.

It was in the 23rd minute when LAFC tied the match up. A header by Zimmerman off of a corner kick found NYC’s Ibeagha, who deflected it into his own net.

Both teams exchanged opportunities to no avail. At half-time, LAFC was yet to record a shot on goal but still found themselves level.

The second half opened up with a shot by Mark-Anthony Kaye, who sent the ball over the crossbar in the 48th minute.

NYC followed that up with dangerous opportunities in the following minutes. A shot sent wide by Villa in the 49th was followed up by another wide shot from Maxi Moralez in the 54th.

A yellow card for Ben Sweat resulted in a free kick 10 yards away from the penalty box in the 63rd minute. LAFC captain Laurent Ciman’s free kick was deflected by the wall of bodies, leaving keeper Sean Johnson frozen. Unfortunately for Ciman, the ball hit the post and bounced out of the box.

Shortly after, Vela gave LAFC their first shot on goal and a 2-1 lead.

The 3252 grew louder as they chanted behind NYC’s keeper throughout the second half.

Blessing was given a golden opportunity with a low cross and a wide-open goal but failed to square up on the ball.

It wasn’t until the 75th minute when NYC salvaged an away point. Villa, who had seen plenty of action all afternoon, charged forward and passed it over to Tinnerholm. The cross was deflected upwards, giving Miller a tough ball to get to. After pushing the dangerous ball away from the line, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, who had just come on for Ben Sweat, found the back of the net despite the awkward angle.

Both teams exchanged opportunities in the closing minutes, with NYC being slightly more dangerous. As the final whistle blew, both teams took a point home and LAFC remained undefeated at their new stadium.

Both managers, Bob Bradley and Patrick Vieira, were in uplifting spirits as both teams played a match that deserved no loser.

After the match I asked Carlos Vela what he thinks the team could improve on to win games like this (translated from Spanish to English).

“This was a difficult match because it was our third of the week. The team was not as rested as they are other days. We weren’t able to play the same style of soccer we’re used to playing, more dynamic, faster. Obviously today was a little more difficult but we demonstrated we’re up for the challenge to compete against any rival.

I think the team had a great attitude through the last three games and we’re bound to get better because we understand each other more, get to know each other more, as each game passes. We’re building a great team. I think the next time we play against [NYCFC] it’ll go better and we’ll keep on getting points whether it be against them or someone else.”

All in all, the experience did not disappoint. The Keyhole (the opening in the stadium showing the downtown LA skyline [Reddit: u/theshabz]) , the quality of play, the job done by LAFC management – it was all part of what is now a 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup venue.

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Alex Zatarain 222 posts 0 comments

CEO and Founder of TheAOSN.com.
Twitch affiliate and instructor at College of the Desert.
He can be heard and read on Alpha Media USA, FanSided, Full Press Coverage, and more.

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