We're making this a thing aren't we? Another last-minute winner at Banc of California Stadium - two in LAFC's first three matches at home. It seems like it's definitely a thing.
Also becoming a thing for LAFC, one that might go under the radar as we watch Walker Zimmerman's 92nd-minute game-winner on loop, is finding ways to win even when things aren't all going your way.
- LAFC 2-1 RSL
Real Salt Lake came to Banc of California Stadium with a siege mentality. It was a depleted squad but Mike Petke's team weren't going to roll over after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat the week before. They were organized and determined to make LAFC work for every inch.
As for the Black & Gold? They've had better days. The passes weren't weighted perfectly. Touches weren't nearly as clean as they needed to be. And reactions weren't always up to par. But last season, LAFC might not have found a way.
Winning ugly can be a good thing, especially for this team. Because too many times in 2018, with matches hanging in the balance, LAFC didn't seize all three points - even the best teams have to take the three points and just move on sometimes.
Here are the takeaways from LAFC's 2-1 win against RSL:
Latif's Enthusiasm Gets The Best Of Him
Let me start by saying: Never change, Latif.
There's a reason Latif Blessing is not just a fan-favorite but one of those players teammates can't help but love. He takes the pitch each day with that something that just makes you want to be around him. He's definitely never lost his joy for the game - and hopefully, never will.
But sometimes his enthusiasm gets the best of him. He's a player that never shies from the ball, whether that's on offense or defense. And he probably should have thought better of the attempted tackle that led to RSL's penalty.
