In a dominant display, The Town FC achieved a crucial 2-0 win against LAFC 2, solidifying their spot in the rankings and building momentum for the upcoming playoffs. Currently, they occupy the 3rd spot in the Western Conference standings.
The conditions were ideal for an exciting MLS Next Pro game in the sunny town of Moraga, California. The team had already secured a playoff spot with a strong showing against Saint Louis City II.
The game featured a special battle between goalkeepers David and Emi Ochoa, who are relatives. Despite already securing a playoff spot, The Town FC showed determination and focus, dominating with precise passing and relentless pressure in the first half against California rivals LAFC 2. The clash between first teams and MLS Next Pro clubs added intrigue to the competition.
Cruz Medina was able to set the tone early in the match-up as the captain was able to get his side on the score board early with a goal after a ball deflected off of a LAFC 2 defender landing right in front of Cruz who was able to direct the ball like a pinball past the goalkeeper David Ochoa. Although The Town FC controlled the ball for most of the time, they found it challenging to take advantage of their chances to increase their lead as the first half was coming to an end. As the whistle blew for the first half, The Town FC had a great performance and a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
As the second half began, there was a noticeable shift in possession, with LAFC 2 taking control of the ball to create scoring opportunities. Chances were being generated, but Emi Ochoa from The Town FC was vigilant in preventing the ball from entering the box. One notable opportunity arose when a cross was delivered from right to left, narrowly bouncing out of bounds.
The Town FC increased their advantage when Riley Lynch successfully received a deflected ball from David Ochoa, who had saved a shot, and then redirected it to the left of the goalkeeper, who had moved to his right. This was able to extend the lead for The Town FC to 2-0 over Los Angeles.
The Town FC maintained their lead until the final whistle, showcasing their impressive home form once again. This victory added another win at home to their record, with Emi Ochoa earning the MLS Next Pro Player of the Matchweek title and Goalkeeper of the Month, for his outstanding performance, making 6 saves and keeping a clean sheet.
The Town FC secured a vital 2-0 victory over LAFC 2 in a commanding performance, consolidating their position in the standings and gaining momentum for the playoffs. They, at the time of this writing, have moved up to third place on the year, and will continue on the road to Austin, Texas to close out the regular season.
The Town FC has already secured their spot in the playoffs, with the opportunity to achieve finish the regular season strong with some interesting scenarios:
They can clinch the Pacific Division Title with one of the following:
Earning 2 or More Points vs. Austin FC II
The Town FC Shutout loss vs. Austin FC II + Tacoma Defiance earning 2 or fewer points vs. STL2
Tacoma Defiance 1 or fewer points vs. STL2 + LAFC 2 or fewer points vs. SKCII
The Town FC Clinches Top Four Seed with one of the following:
The Town FC earn 1 or more points vs. Austin FC II
LAFC 2 earn 2 points or fewer vs. SKCII
Tacoma earn 1 point or fewer vs. STL2
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