There aren’t many more lively stadiums in the world than a rocking Banc of California, so it was a pleasure to return to see LAFC in full voice as they hosted Real Salt Lake for the latest instalment in our ‘Framed’ series.
Real Salt Lake and LAFC find themselves in direct competition for a spot in the playoffs, lending this fixture a little added flavour. And it didn’t disappoint, both in terms of atmosphere – the Banc of California stadium rocking at full voice – and action on the pitch. Despite a stuttering season that saw the home side way off where they would expect to be in the table, LAFC came into the match on the back of a three game undefeated streak.
And they took that moment into the game straight from the kick off, scoring on their first attack of the game through a tidy finish from skipper, Christian Arango. That goal came in 20 seconds and is LAFC’s fastest goal scored. Damir Kreilach with a sweetly struck effort from outside the box and Anderson Julio each scored to bring Real Salt Lake back from deficits of 1-0 and 2-1, but the final – and cruelest – contribution of note came from RSL’s Toni Datkovic, whose misplaced back pass trickled agonisingly into the back of his own net. Hell of a way to lose a match, but the game was just the type of entertainment that makes the Banc of California such a great venue. Glad to be back.
Photography by Harry Ahn for SoccerBible.
