With LAFC preparing to host star-studded Japanese side Vissel Kobe in a preseason friendly at the Banc of California Stadium, we headed stateside once more for the next stop in our ‘Framed’ series.
J-League powerhouse Vissel Kobe continued their preseason tour of the US by coming up against LAFC as they played at their home ground, the Banc of California Stadium, for the first time in 2019. And the Banc was in full voice, thrilled not only at the prospect of their team returning to action, but at the chance to see not one, but three world cup winners in action for the opposition.
Lukas Podolski, Andres Iniesta and former New York City FC striker, David Villa all ply their trade for Vissel Kobe these days, but it was another familiar name that stole the limelight on the night. Former Arsenal striker and LAFC skipper Carlos Vela bagged a first-half brace, showing just why none other than Barcelona had been sniffing around him recently.
Second-half substitute Dejan Jakovic made the score 3-0 in the 72nd minute, nodding home a long free kick from Peter-Lee Vassell, before Kevin Mendoza closed the scoring 14 minutes later with a brilliant individual effort that ended with him slotting home a shot from just outside the six-yard box. Kobe got a consolation when Ryo Hatsuse scored from a free-kick, but by that time the three world cup winners had vacated the pitch and the show was all but over. But a hell of a show it was and one that kept the 18,000 home supporters buzzing on what was a freezing night in California.
Photography by Devin L'Amoreaux for SoccerBible.