Walker Zimmerman stoppage time strike gave Los Angeles Football Club its latest thrilling victory against Real Salt Lake Saturday at Banc of California Stadium.
The goal in the 91st minute helped LAFC remain undefeated this season, improving to a 3-0-1 record, with two of the victories coming in the last seconds of games.
LAFC controlled most of the match in term of possession and shots on goal. But Real Salt Lake to the early lead in the first half after a LAFC’s Latif Blessing tripped a Real Salt Lake attacker in the penalty box. Damir Kreilach converted the penalty in the 35th minute to give the away team the 1-0 lead.
A few minutes later though, LAFC’s Diego Rossi found a loose ball in front of the Real Salt Lake goal to fire it into the need for the 1-1 tie.
The game remained scoreless throughout the second half. In the 84th minute, Rossi sprinted down the right side of the field when Real Salt Lake’s Justin Portillo struck him in the face with an elbow. The referee handed Portillo a straight red card, giving LAFC a man advantage for the remainder of the game.
The home team continue its attack on goal from then until Zimmerman found himself with an open shot from just outside the penalty box. He lobbed the ball perfectly into the top right corner of the nex, leaving goalkeeper Nick Rimando with no chance.
“This was a big game for us,” Zimmerman told the Los Angeles Times. “To do what we want to do this year and accomplish what we accomplish, we have to win those types of games. Games at home where we should have the majority of possession, we’re going to create a lot of chances. And we just need to learn how to win those types of games to chase Supporters’ Shield, to chase an MLS Cup.”
Zimmerman’s goal was reminiscent of the stoppage time goal scored by Adama Diomande to cap a 2-1 comeback win for LAFC in the season opener against Sporting Kansas City earlier this month.
LAFC next plays in San Jose against the Earthquakes on Saturday.
