The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) began its 2020 MLS regular season campaign with a 1-0 win over expansion side Inter Miami CF on Sunday afternoon at Banc of California Stadium. LAFC returns to action next Sunday, March 8 against Philadelphia Union (7:30 p.m. PT).
Forward Carlos Vela picked up right where he left off last season, scoring his first of the year just before the half. The reigning MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner got the ball in the attacking third and after getting past a pair of Miami defenders, he sent a chip over goalkeeper Luis Robles that skimmed off the crossbar and into the net.
Four players made their MLS debuts for the Black & Gold tonight. Goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer registered his first shutout of the year, midfielder Francisco Ginella played the first 76 minutes of the game, while midfielders José Cifuentes and Bryce Duke came off the bench in the second half.
On Thursday night, LAFC advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2020 Concacaf Champions League after defeating Liga MX side Club León 3-0 (3-2 aggregate) at Banc of California Stadium. The Black & Gold will now take on Mexican side Cruz Azul in the next round on March 12 at Banc of California Stadium and on March 18 at Estadio Azteca.
*Photo Courtesy LAFC