LAFC secured a 2–0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on what felt like one of the hottest nights of the year in Southern California. The combination of humidity and dry heat made it feel as though LAFC was playing on the East Coast, but Los Angeles brought the heat offensively on Saturday night.
It was a matchup between the second-oldest team in the league and the second-youngest, featuring a mix of emerging young talent and experienced leadership
Denis Bouanga was a key contributor in this week’s contest. Although he may not have been at his best on paper, Bouanga remained a constant nuisance for the Red Bulls’ defense. Both LAFC and New York have struggled to showcase their counterattacking identities in recent games, but neither side wasted time finding its pace on Saturday night.
LAFC eventually settled into the match and began inviting pressure, a decision that helped create an opportunity on the counterattack. A dangerous break led by Son Heung-min resulted in a 22nd-minute goal from 17-year-old sensation Jude Terry. The teenager became the youngest player on the league’s second-oldest team to open the scoring in the match.
New York has made headlines in recent weeks for featuring one of the youngest attacking trios in the league. This time, the Red Bulls gave 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti an opportunity to shine. He impressed spectators before being forced off with an injury in the 33rd minute.
The Red Bulls continued to press and attack in the second half, but their efforts weren’t enough to disrupt LAFC’s composure.
LAFC eventually capitalized and put the game away with a late second-half goal from new signing Armando Sieb, who marked his club debut with a goal and helped secure the 2–0 victory.
