MLS Preseason 2020: Carlos Vela and Brian Rodriguez connect, LAFC down New York City FC

Vela and Rodriguez connect as LAFC down NYCFC

Carlos Vela - Brian Rodriguez - warmups

In a connection MLS fans are likely to see repeat itself many times during the 2020 season, Carlos Vela set up Brian Rodriguez for an opening goal in LAFC's 3-1 preseason victory over New York City FC on Friday.


Adrien Perez and LAFC 2020 MLS SuperDraft selection Jorge Gonzalez also scored for the winners of the closed-door friendly at Banc of California Stadium. It was the second win in as many preseason games for the hosts

NYCFC academy player Osaze De Rosario, the son of MLS legend Dwayne, got a late goal for the Cityzens in defeat, their third in as many preseason matches.


Both LAFC and NYCFC will open their competitive campaigns in the Concacaf Champions League on Feb. 18 and Feb. 20, respectively.


Goals


First half

  • LAFC — Brian Rodriguez
  • LAFC — Adrien Perez


Second half

  • LAFC — Jorge Gonzalez
  • NYC — Osaze De Rosario


Lineups


LAFC Starting XI(4-3-3): Kenneth Vermeer; Diego Palacios, Jordan Harvey, Dejan Jakovic, Tristan Blackmon; Latif Blessing, Bryce Duke, Josh Pérez; Carlos Vela, Adama Diomande, Brian Rodríguez


NYCFC Starting XI(4-3-3): Brad Stuver (Barraza 65'); Joe Scally (Tony Rocha 65'), Maxime Chanot (Tayvon Gray), James Sands (Sebastian Ibeagha 65'), Alexander Callens (Juan Pablo Torres 65'); Alex Ring (Colman Kim 65'), Gedion Zelalem (Justin Haak 65'), Keaton Parks (Andre Fortune 65') ; Alexandru Mitriță (Ismael Tajouri-Shradi 65'), Héber (Osaze De Rosario 65'), Gary Mackay-Steven (Andres Jasson 45')


*NOTE: Because the match was closed to the public, substitute information was not immediately available for LAFC in the closed-door match.