Los Angeles Futbol Club hosted Internacional Club de Miami on Sunday, March 1, 2020 in what was a hotly contested battle. The home team’s supporters club, 3252, began to let Miami feel the entire pressure of Los Angeles well before kickoff. Outside the stadium, the smoky aroma of the barbecue filled the air and chants for Carlos Vela roared in waves. From the moment that David Beckham’s newly integrated team stepped onto the pitch, boo’s echoed throughout Banc of California stadium.
As the match started, 3252 pushed LAFC forward almost leading them to a Rossi goal in the 3rd minute, assisted by none other than Vela himself. One thing was for certain: LAFC meant business. Fans expected more rotations after their big midweek victory against Leon FC, but Coach Bob Bradley opted to start many of their regulars for the important MLS opener which hoped to set the tone for the rest of the season. The match was decided by a stroke of genius by the reigning MLS MVP, Carlos Vela. The Mexican talisman chipped Inter Miami goalkeeper, Luis Robles, just before the end of the first half to give the hosts the lead. As usual, Latif Blessing made non stop sacrificing runs as he commanded the midfield from his deep defensive position. His box-to-box style of play compliments Vela’s ability to receive the ball from him on the wing and make those cutting runs inside with the angle favoring his left foot.
Miami’s attempts at sparking some sort of meaningful attack proved futile as they failed time and time again to worry the Los Angeles defense. The few moves forward that held some degree of menace came solely in the form of hopeful long balls over the center defender’s heads. Even then, Miami’s winger Lewis Morgan was unable to capitalize any sort of chance against Vermeer. Rodolfo Pizarro, Miami’s star signing from Mexican giants Monterrey, did not have as much of an impact as expected. Although his game relies more on creating chances and setting up his teammates, he had Miami’s most clear opportunity to tie the match when he met a cross with a shot that went wide. The Los Angeles defense did well to nullify most of Pizarro’s dangerous through balls and resorted to fouling him on several occasions which left the player vehemently frustrated at the end of 90 minutes.
All in all, it was a good day at the office for LAFC who kicked off their 2020 campaign with a victory against David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
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