Los Angeles FC and Sporting KC’s match ended in a goalless draw. Despite numerous attempts and great saves from both teams, neither could find a breakthrough, resulting in a stalemate at the final whistle.
LAFC Team Stat Highlights
- Passing Accuracy: LAFC’s passing accuracy hovered around 78.9%, with Eduard Atuesta leading the midfield with a 76.5% completion rate.
- Defensive Contributions: Los Angeles FC displayed a solid defensive performance, with 17 tackles and four interceptions. This showcased their resilience in denying Sporting KC’s advances and limiting Peter Vermes’s squad to 0.9 xG after six shots in goal.
Key Players (LAFC)
Eduard Atuesta (#20, LM)
Atuesta was a critical figure for Los Angeles FC during the game. He contributed significantly to ball possession with 79 touches while initiating scoring opportunities for his team. While he didn’t register any goals or assists in this match, his presence in the midfield was crucial for maintaining possession and initiating attacking moves. He also showcased his defensive capabilities with one tackle and interception and moved to the six position upon Ilie’s departure from the pitch for the young gun, David Martinez.
Omar Campos (#2, LB)
Campos started shaky on defense but settled down as the game progressed. After picking up an early yellow, he displayed defensive solidity throughout the match.
Campos made notable offensive contributions as well. He made his presence felt in the attacking half with 46 touches. He provided crucial support to Denis Bouanga on the left side while remaining focused on thwarting Sporting KC’s attacks.
Aaron Long (#33, CB)
Long demonstrated his defensive prowess and was a solid center-back for the entire game. He contributed to Los Angeles FC’s solid defensive line with two tackles and one block, ensuring Sporting KC’s forwards had only low-quality opportunities.
Jesús David Murillo (#3, CB)
Murillo was instrumental in defense, making three tackles and three blocks, helping Los Angeles FC maintain LAFC’s defensive shape and deny Sporting KC’s attacking threats.
LAFC: Disappointing Performances
Denis Bouanga (#99, LW)
Despite attempting six shots during the game, Bouanga struggled to convert them into goals, with an aggregated Expected Goals (xG) value of 0.52. To add to his woes for the night, his involvement in ball progression was limited, with only 34 touches and 17 carries, a relatively low presence in advancing the ball into the opponent’s territory. Bouanga’s success rate in dribbles was 0.0%, suggesting difficulties bypassing opposition defenders. Overall, it was a disappointing day for Denis after receiving a massive contract extension from his club. His overall contribution to ball progression and successful dribbles disappointed, especially for a skillful player with heightened expectations for 2024.
Cristian Olivera (#13, RW)
Similarly, Olivera had a relatively limited involvement in ball progression despite his role as a winger. With only 23 touches and 13 carries, he struggled to advance the ball into the opponent’s half significantly. Additionally, Olivera’s success rate in dribbles (Succ%) was limited, at 50.0%, indicating mixed success in bypassing opposition defenders. Despite his attempts to contribute offensively, his overall involvement in ball progression was underwhelming for a winger.
Overall Performance and Next Game: Minnesota United vs. LAFC
Despite their defensive solidity and midfield control, LAFC’s offensive efforts could not be converted into goals, resulting in a draw. Defensively, the team displayed solidity, and midfield dominance laid a solid foundation for future matches. For the game at Minnesota next weekend, the team will aim to capitalize on their defensive stability while seeking to improve their attacking efficiency.
Images: Celso Oliveira for Territorio MLS
