Royer's double dumps LAFC, 2:1
August 5, 2018
There were some 2005 Metro flashbacks at Red Bull Arena today, and they weren't wearing uniforms with bovines on them. Bob Bradley patrolling the visiting sidelines, Ante Razov on his side, and a little-remembered backup Danilo da Silva, who played sparingly for Metro in that 2005 season, appearing for Chivas USA LAFC off the bench. See what we just did there? That was an accident... 2005 flashbacks indeed.
Well, it's not 2005 anymore, and this year's Metro team defeated Bob's newly-minted non-Chivas side, 2:1, on two goals by Daniel Royer.
Chris Armas stopped the tinkering from a week ago and played a lineup that actually made sense, as Kemar Lawrence, Alejandro Romero Gamarra, and Bradley Wright-Phillips returned at the expense of Aurelien Collin, Connor Long, and Derrick Etienne. Lawrence's return should be highlighted, as he was excellent throughout, chasing down long balls on the left flank with ease.
Clearly, sending long balls behind the Metro backline was LAFC's strategy (and why not, that's how you beat this team), but Bradley's disciple Armas had the defense prepared. That defense included Luis Robles, who time and again had to come out of the net to clear the ball outside the penalty area.
Midway through the first half, Royer was taken down in the box by LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller. Somehow, not only no foul was called, VAR was not consulted. In the 39th, Miller's second mistake proved worse. As Michael Murillo drilled a shot at the keeper, he dropped a rebound. Royer, tripped in the box and lying on the ground, redirected the ball into the net for a fantastic finish.
LAFC evened the scoring in the 53rd, when Murillo was beaten to the ball by Diego Rossi. The Uruguayan converted from the top of the penalty area.
But Royer would not be denied in the 80th. Marc Rzatkowski, stationed at the back end of the center circle, sent a magical through ball to BWP. The Englishman controlled it, took it into the penalty area, and laid it off for Royer, who beat Miller once again.
So, Metro of the current beat those of the past. Next week, they will be going to Chicago, where the Fire will be starting at this ghosts on the visitor's sideline... Strange how it sometimes works, isn't it?
Lineup: Robles, Lawrence, Long, Parker, Murillo, Adams, Davis, Rzatkowski, Royer, Romero Gamarra, Wright-Phillips. Subs: Muyl, Etienne, Lade.
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