Los Angeles FC is undefeated on home turf in franchise history. Sure, that’s a six-match sample, but six matches undefeated at home is by no means a given for an expansion side. Last Saturday, Bob Bradley’s men got that sixth result with a 2-0 victory over Eastern Conference powerhouse Columbus Crew. Laurent Ciman forced Columbus to play from behind when he whipped a spinning, moving 30-yard free-kick past Joe Kempin.
Moments later, Columbus’ Artur got sloppy in midfield, looking to play vertical with an equalizer in mind. LA countered and Lee Nguyen found Adama Diomande just onside for the striker’s fourth goal in his last three matches — and he only joined the club four games ago. Diomande is newly signed from Hull City, but his best form came under Bradley at Stabaek IF in 2015 when he tallied 25 goals in 26 games.
Throughout the remainder of Saturday’s match, LAFC’s pressure successfully stifled one of the best teams in the east. Pedro Santos’ 27th-minute shot was the only one the Crew put on frame, and they only took one shot — blocked — over the final 35 minutes of the match. Yikes.
The win was LAFC’s second in a row following a four-match winless streak. It was also the first time since May 9 that Bradley’s charges earned a shutout.
And it serves as a reminder that even with two Designated Players absent, Los Angeles will be a big test for Philadelphia Union this weekend.
