Three Takeaways in LAFC’s 1-1 Draw vs. FC Dallas

In a match dominated by the home side, LAFC succumbed to a 1-1 draw despite controlling the game and creating more chances.

The result still keeps them second in the Western Conference.

Here are three takeaways from the match.

1. The Inability to Finish Chances

After Steve Beitashour’s goal less than ten minutes into the match, LAFC controlled the game. They sustained attacks in the final third and were organized in all areas of the pitch.

The @McDonalds Player Spotlight 🔦@Sbeita33 sneaks his shot past the keeper.

Grab the McDonald’s app 📲 https://t.co/ej3Lt83gSX pic.twitter.com/faXqlk2MjJ

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 5, 2018

Long story short, this game could have been put away towards the midway point of the second half.

There were two golden chances at the beginning of the second half.

The first came on the counter-attack as the ball found its way to the foot of midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye as he skied it over the bar.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 05: LAFC vs FC Dallas on May 05, 2018 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/LAFC via Bernstein Associates Inc.)

Diego Rossi had the next chance and he skied it over the bar as well.

As always, good teams will make you pay if you don’t convert.

In the 55th minute, Dallas forward Maxi Urruti turned Laurent Ciman and cooly slotted it home into the far corner past Tyler Miller.

55′ | Goal FC Dallas.

Max Urruti scores from outside the box.#LAFCvDAL 1-1

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 5, 2018

LAFC had a chance to take the lead in the 71st minute, Diego Rossi put Omar Gaber through on goal and shot it just wide of the far post.

71′ | CHANCE

Omar Gaber gets behind the defense but his shot trickles just wide of the far post.#LAFCvDAL 1-1

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 5, 2018

In any other game, those chances would have been put away, but if you don’t finish chances, the other team will grow in confidence and feel like they can get a result, and that’s what FC Dallas did away from home.

2. In Life, You Have to Play With the Cards You’re Dealt

While the inability to finish chances was the highlight of the match, another factor that played a part was the heat.

Bradley commented on the weather in today’s match:

“Maybe someday, I hope the schedule makers understand that was a good game, but if you would have played the game tonight, that would have been a better game”.

Maybe Bob, Maybe.

The ironic part about that comment was that LAFC played better in hot weather today than in the cold in their home opener.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 05: LAFC vs FC Dallas on May 05, 2018 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/LAFC via Bernstein Associates Inc.)

The comment felt like it was a shrouded excuse.

In the MLS, everything isn’t going to go your way, especially the weather.

In life, you have to play with the cards your dealt and do the best you can in any situation.

All that matters is if you win, lose, or draw.

3. LAFC Showed Tactical Flexibility

With Marco Ureña out, Bradley deployed Carlos Vela as a false nine.

To his credit, it worked.

Bob Bradley: “@11carlosV played well in the false 9 role” #LAFCvDAL

— LA Soccer Nation (@lasoccernation) May 5, 2018

Vela did a good job in dropping deep to receive the ball and putting himself in good positions to create opportunities on the attack.

Without a fixed position, He linked up well with Blessing and Rossi.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 05: LAFC vs FC Dallas on May 05, 2018 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/LAFC via Bernstein Associates Inc.)

With Blessing, Rossi, and Vela interchanging, it caused FC Dallas many defensive headaches as they had a hard time knowing who to mark.

They were sharper in the final third, they sustained pressure, and sprung well on the counter-attack.

Despite finishing chances, LAFC showed that they can play without Ureña on the pitch. Even with personnel changes they can unlock any defense in the MLS.

*All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.

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