Prior to Los Angeles Football Club’s (11–3–3, 36 points) 3–1 victory over Western Conference foe FC Dallas (7–5–5, 26 points) Wednesday, former Italy and Juventus defender, Giorgio Chiellini, was introduced at a press conference as the latest member, saying, “LAFC is the perfect team for me.”
The former Italian National Team captain and 2020 UEFA Euro Champion was also drenched with water by his new teammates, while participating in the team’s victory song “LAFC,” led by Kellyn Acosta with loudspeaker in hand.
The 37-year-old Chiellini—who is in the twilight of his extraordinary career—stated, “They have fantastic defenders, why [would] they call me?”
“It’s a fantastic team,” said Chiellini, “Surely I can help them ... not just playing, but leading everyday the group, and this is my game and what I think. But I have fantastic teammates, and this is important.”
Head coach Steven Cherundolo said following the win that Chiellini felt he was already a part of the team, providing suggestions through texts for improvement before his arrival.
LAFC currently tops Major League Soccer (MLS) standings with 36 points after the win over Dallas. The next closest in the Western Conference is Salt Lake with 29 points, while the Eastern Conference leaders of Montreal and Philadelphia also have 29 points.
Another signing soon to arrive is Welsh forward Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
The two European stars would be eligible to debut for LAFC after the secondary transfer window beginning July 7—just in time to host their arch-rival LA Galaxy in another inter-city “El Trafico” matchup on July 8.
Bale’s signing is ideal for his preparation for the World Cup in Qatar as Wales just qualified in a recent play-off. Thus he can contribute to LAFC’s quest for a first post-season trophy as preparation for World Cup competition.
LAFC won the annual Supporters’ Shield award as the regular-season champions in 2018 in its first year as an expansion franchise.
The regular season ends Oct. 9 for MLS, and the MLS Cup Final is Nov. 5th, while the 2022 World Cup kicks off November 21st.
Former MLS MVP and Mexican superstar Carlos Vela is expected to extend his expiring contract at the season’s end.
Vela contributed with two assists in Wednesday’s win and continues to be the primary player in the club’s offense.
LAFC’s first goal came from Danny Musovski in the 23rd minute as he received a long pass from Jose Cifuentes on a counter down the left flank. While running, Musovski blasted a left-footed shot high inside the left post beating Dallas goalie Marteen Paes.
Dallas would rally in the 38th minute on a free-kick from Jesus Ferreira nearly 35 yards away with a high-bending right footed shot that dipped off of the crossbar, as LAFC keeper Maxime Crepeau was just late moving back from a fake cross by Marco Farfan.
The U.S. National Team forward Ferreira leads the MLS in scoring following the goal with his 10th of the season.
Cristian “Chicho” Arango from Columbia would retake the lead in the 57th minute when Vela split the defense on the left-side of the box as Arango placed his left-footed cutting shot along the ground just inside the right post.
LAFC finished the scoring in the 86th minute as Vela again assisted with a simple square pass to Kwadwo Opoku from Ghana—who had space to set up a left-footed blast from beyond 23-yards out that curved from right to left, hitting inside high off the left post for a final score of 3–1.
LAFC visits Vancouver Saturday, July 2 at 4 p.m. PT, while FC Dallas hosts Miami at 3 p.m. PT on the 4th of July.
