MLS Playoffs: Carlos Vela and LAFC knock Zlatan and LA Galaxy out

Los Angeles Galaxy's season ended in a heartbreaking playoff loss to local rivals Los Angeles FC. The first El Trafico showdown played in the MLS Cup Playoffs lived up to the hype, with LAFC defeating LA Galaxy for the first time. Carlos Vela and Adama Diomande scored a brace each to lead LAFC to a thrilling 5-3 win in the Western Conference Semi-finals on Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium.

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MLS playoffs: LA Galaxy 5-3 LAFC key performances

Carlos Vela's brace had his side leading when Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled in the 55th minute after a rare howler by LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller. Just when it looked like history would repeat itself, Diego Rossi and Diomande scored a pair of goals in a two-minute span to restore their two-goal lead. Carlos Vela got one over Zlatan Ibrahimovic as his side not only beat their rivals but also Vela scored twice to take his tally to 34, four ahead of Ibrahimovic.  The latter, who is out of the race to be the tournament's top scorer, is also out of contract at the end of the season. The battle for supremacy this season between the two seems to be won by Carlos Vela. 

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MLS playoffs: LA Galaxy 5-3 LAFC; Player Ratings

LAFC

Tyler Miller: 5.5/10

Stevev Beitashour: 4.5/10

Tristan Blackmon: 5/10

Eddie Segura: 7/10

Jordan Harvey: 6/10

Lee Nguyen: 6.5/10

Eduard Atuesta: 6.5/10

Latif Blessing: 6.5/10

Brian Rodriguez: 7.5/10

Carlos Vela: 9.5/10

Diego Rossi: 9/10

Substitutes

Walker Zimmerman: 6.5/10

Adama Diomande: 9/10

Dejan Jokavic: 6/10

LA Galaxy

David Bingham: 4/10

David Romney: 4.5/10

Diego Polenta: 5.5/10

Daniel Steres: 5/10

Geancarlo Gonzalez: 5/10

Jonathan dos Santos: 5.5/10

Perry Kitchen: 5/10

Cristian Pavon: 7/10

Sebestian Lletget: 7.5/10

Carlos Antuna: 6.5/10

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 8.5/10

Substitutes

Romain Alessandrini: 6/10

Rolf Feltscher: 7/10

Fabio Alvarez: 6/10

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