LOS ANGELES — In an eventful clash between the 2018 Supporters Shield winners and the current Supporter Shield favorites, Los Angeles FC defeated the New York Red Bulls 4-2 in front of an announced crowd of 22,342 at Banc of California Stadium.
Defender Jordan Harvey struck first for LAFC in the 23rd minute, his first goal in his LAFC tenure, after he fought his way to the end of a set piece cross from Carlos Vela and headed past goalkeeper Luis Robles. Two minutes later, Latif Blessing scored his fourth goal of the season to double LAFC’s lead.
The Red Bulls fought back into the match with a pair of goals late in the first half. In the 42nd minute, Cristian Casseres Jr. cut New York’s deficit in half, and three minutes later an own goal from LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller brought the Red Bulls back level at the close of the first half.
The second half was dominated by LAFC. Vela scored his 23rd goal from the 23 games he’s played this year after converting a penalty kick in the 61st minute. He leads the league in goals and, with a pair of assists Sunday, assists as well.
The final blow to the Red Bulls’ hopes came in the 72nd minute from defender Eddie Segura on another set piece finish. With Segura’s goal, LAFC continued their trend of distributing the scoring among multiple players.
LAFC look to continue their winning ways Saturday as they head to Sandy to take on Real Salt Lake.
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