Photo: Rene Rodriguez
LAFC defeated J-League side Vissel Kobe 4-1 in their preseason friendly Thursday night. Vissel Kobe’s roster consist of three World Cup Winners in Lukas Podolski, David Villa, and Andres Iniesta, but that wasn’t enough for the visitors as they saw their side go 2-0 down in the first half.
Photo: Rene Rodriguez
LAFC took the lead in the 32nd minute as Carlos Vela, curled the ball into the far side of the goal with that left foot of his. It’s not the first time LAFC fans have seen him do that. Vela doubled LAFC’s lead in the 42nd minute when he slotted it past goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa. Midfielder Andre Horta almost made it 3-0 before the end of the half, but his effort hit the top corner of the post.
LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley made seven changes to the squad for the second half, allowing unsigned players and those on trial to show what they have.
When you see a young player, who wants to be coached and who is open to the ideas, I think we have the kind of environment that works. When you have young guys, they want to get better, you have a good environment, and you have all the players that also set a good example, it’s fun to work with them every day. -Bob Bradley
LAFC extended their lead in the 72nd minute when Dejan Jakovic scored off a free kick with a headed flick that left Vissel Kobe’s defense flat footed.
Vissel Kobe denied LAFC a clean sheet in the final 10 minutes as a free kick from Ryo Hatsuse made the game 3-1.
Photo: Rene Rodriguez
But LAFC took back their three goal lead when Rookie Kevin Mendoza scored his first goal for the club in the 86th minute.
LAFC return to Banc of California Stadium on Monday, February 4 when they host Columbus Crew SC in their closed exhibition match.
LAFC
