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LAFC scores in final minute to win home opener, 1-0
It was an atmosphere only soccer can bring.
Drums the size of a four-door sedan were slammed by middle-aged men with painted faces; flags portraying over a dozen countries and clubs were waved mercilessly; chants in support of the home team echoed off a cascading roof with more vigor than a rock-and-roll concert.
And there was still an hour until kickoff.
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While Sunday night’s match between LAFC and the Seattle Sounders was an entertaining defensive stalemate in its own right, the real spectacle was what unfolded off the pitch.
A sold-out crowd of 22,000 swarmed through the gates for their first chance to lay eyes on the brand-new, $350 million Banc of California Stadium.
As the most expensive soccer-specific venue in United States history, expectations were understandably high, but after 90 minutes of play, it was clear most were met or surpassed.
The group known as LAFC 3252 occupied the entire north end of the stadium with instruments and banners displayed in unison, creating a sea of black and gold easily mistakable for a decade-long custom.
Elsewhere, the more casual fan soaked in the game with a view of the Los Angeles skyline as a backdrop from seats designed to feel as though you are directly on top of the pitch, regardless of how thin the air may be in your section.
And if neither of those two options satisfied viewing pleasures, other spectators relaxed on the Sunset Lounge filled with throw pillow-covered couches and a rectangular swimming pool.
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And as fans left their seats, a quick walk through the concourse delivered smells wafting from a variety of food options ranging BBQ to tacos, all created by local favorites recommended by the fans.
As the match’s intensity picked up midway through a scoreless 2nd half, it was hard to find an empty seat in the crowd. Something was happening in the stadium that is hard to find at many sporting events now: people at the game were actually enjoying the game.
And then, at the 76th minute, it happened.
Fans around the stadium picked up gold sheets left on their seats as part of a pregame entertainment and, together, started waving them. Within two minutes of the unprompted act of community, LAFC came within inches of scoring the match’s first goal on a Walker Zimmerman header that sailed high.
While LAFC wasn’t able to put a goal on the board, it was clear they still scored: in its inaugural season, fans have bought into this team and, on opening night, this stadium.
As stoppage time rolled through with three extra minutes added on, another offensive siege began.
A Sounder foul outside the box in the 93’ provided LAFC with one final chance to complete the perfect first game.
Laurent Ciman lined up the free kick from about 30 yards out and drilled a low line drive through the arms of the awaiting keeper into the back of the net.
LAFC won, 1-0.
Only in a stadium located 10 miles from Hollywood.
"All the people were waiting for this moment and I think this was a great day" said Carlos Vela. "Maybe the game wasn’t the most fun to watch, but in the end we win so everyone was excited and enjoyed."
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As black and yellow smoke filled the air from the rowdy LAFC 3252, players ran the length of the pitch congratulating the fans as they received their own praise.
"With all the vibe during the week and everyone talking about this game… there was a lot of excitement going into it," Ciman said after the game. "We just wanted to give back to the fans."
This was more than hype from a team’s first game. Traditions were being started, a culture was being formed and while it took 93 minutes for the ball to land in the net, the melodic beats coming from those drums never waned.
