Photo Credit: Rene Rodriguez
LAFC’s unbeaten run at home continues as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over the Columbus Crew at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday.
LAFC took the lead as Laurent Ciman scored in the fourth minute in his return to the squad. The defender was in Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup as a standby player for the Belgian National team, but was released from the squad last weekend.
Ciman’s free kick zoomed through Columbus’ wall catching goalkeeper Jon Kempin off guard as it went passed him into the back of the net. This is the Belgian’s third goal of the season and they have all been from free kicks. LAFC’s head coach Bob Bradley had nothing but praise for his captain after the match.
We knew we were getting a leader, but the part of his free kicks has been a great surprise. Obviously by now in certain situations he’s capable of coming up with something that’s different. It’s been a great plus.
Adama Diomande doubled the lead four minutes later. Benny Feilhaber passed it to Lee Nguyen at the top of the box, and found Diomande for the finish from the center of the area. Despite scoring goals in three consecutive matches, Diomande feels there is still room for improvement.
It’s easy for me to come into a group when you know the playing style. I’m not there yet physically. I’m a patient guy. I’ll keep working with my teammates in training to be better.
Columbus’ frustrations carried through to the second half. Columbus thought they reduced the deficit in the 69th minute when midfielder Federico Higuain, found the back of the net, only to have a goal be denied by an offside call. A frustrated Higuain then booted the ball out of anger, earning himself a yellow card. That was their best chance on a night where they could only put a single shot on target.
LAFC make it two victories in the span of three days after their 3-2 come from behind win over Sacramento Republic in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup earning them a place in the quarterfinals.
With this victory over Columbus, LAFC move up to third in the Western Conference with 27 points.
Columbus are now on a five match winless streak, putting them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference on 27 points.
LAFC return to the Banc of California Stadium on June 30th as they host Philadelphia Union, while Columbus are home to Real Salt Lake the same day.
LAFC
Columbus Crew
