.png)
Class is back in session and LAFC kicked off the New Year with a 2-0 victory against Uruguayan giants Peñarol in a pre-preseason friendly.
The event was an entertaining one as the match gave new additions and second team players coveted game time, and fans a rare opportunity to see developing talent on the pitch. "With young guys, it's not so much that they show leadership, but that they show personality," said LAFC manager Bob Bradley. "And you work with them with that to move them along."
For LAFC, this included Dutch goalkeeper and Ajax alum Kenneth Vermeer, homegrown midfielder and recent signee Bryce Duke, Jamaican nationals Kevon Lambert and Junior Flemmings (both USL players), second-team regulars Adrien Perez , Josh Perez, and Pablo Sisniega, SuperDraft pick Younes Boudadi, and 16-year-old LAFC academy standouts Christian Torres and Erik Duenas, among others.
Just two weeks into preseason, LAFC matched up well with the South America visitors, notching twice as many shots on target. LAFC captain Carlos Vela showed why he won the 2019 MLS Golden Boot by opening the scoring just six minutes in, with a beautiful left-footed bender around the Peñarol backline. Hometown favorite Adrien Perez followed that up at 40 minutes, confidently finishing a deflection off a corner kick.
LAFC and Peñarol have a close and growing connection, with two current LAFC all-stars—Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez—having been produced by the historic club. Rumors have begun circulating that more Peñarol players may be coming down the pipeline. "Peñarol is a special club and we have an excellent relationship with them," said Bradley. "We were just happy they could come here and play."
Both sides are preparing for an important year, as LAFC eye the elusive MLS Cup and Peñarol are no doubt focused on winning the Primera division after coming second to Nacional in 2019.
Peñarol boast a distinct track record, with the most Uruguayan League titles and the greatest number of final appearances in the Copa Libertadores, among other honors. LAFC's strong showing against them today will serve as a good early indicator for the season, although Bradley did caution that developing their midfield will continue to be their biggest area of improvement.