LAFC ruined James Rodríguez’s debut as a starter with Minnesota: 0-1

LAFC without seven players from his team, routine ruined the afternoon of the Colombian’s first start James Rodriguez with Minnesota United by winning 0-1 with a goal from Venezuelan David Martínezwhich allowed him to be ready for the midweek duel against Toluca in the Concachampions.

Everything was ready for The local team will have the party under the rhythm of the Colombian midfielder that is fighting to regain its place in the coffee team for the 2026 World Cup, but those from the Shadowy & Gold team arrived to put down the celebration and thereby seize the victory that allows them to climb a few steps in the Western Conference.

The Colombian’s participation had been limited to a few minutes against Portland Timbers and he did not appear against Dallas on the United roster, so this was the game United fans expected, but in the end the wall that the Angelenos put up worked perfectly.

The team led by the Canadian of Portuguese origin Marc dos Santos was effective in keeping a clean sheet to record their 8th game without conceding a goal and which ruined Minnesota United’s quest for a fifth consecutive victory.

The Orinegros were not interested in the fact that seven players did not participate in their starting lineup compared to the starting team they used against the Colorado Rapids. giving rest to elements such as his figures Son Heung-Min, Impress Delgado, Ryan Porteous and Sergi Palencia.

The contest was decided soon, when at nine minutes an action between Stephen Eustáquio, David Martínez and Timmy Tillman allowed the Venezuelan Martínez defines with a shot without much of a shooting anglebut he was able to fit the ball into the nets in a great goal due to the entire workmanship of the play.

For Martínez it was his third goal in the MLS at just 20 years old and the seventh in all the competitions in which he has participated this year. the Venezuelan striker, who has established himself as a respected gunner in their ranks.

While James, a reference in Minnesota’s offensive plays, had the option of tying in the minute 29 when he sent a cross to Jefferson Díaz who finished towards the goal, but in the end, Tillman saved under the sticks by preventing the ball from entering his goal, when goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had gone out for a walk.

LAFC will now face Toluca on Wednesday, April 29 at BMO Stadium in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League semifinals. where apparently the Mexican team will not have it so easybut it all depends on whether they can take advantage of the fact that the scarlet team will not have their selections.

Continue reading:
-Cruz Azul turned goalkeeper Hugo Lloris into a hero and LAFC eliminated them: 1-1 (1-4 overall)
– América and Cruz Azul reserve themselves for the Concachampions and tie 1-1
– David Martínez, the Venezuelan gem who gave Cruz Azul headaches