The eMLS players for LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps met Friday night, with over $7,100 raised as part of the LAFC Gaming Charity Challenge Series. Proceeds raised from the FIFA 20 best-of-three matchup are going to Los Angeles-based charities fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Late equalizers were a theme when LAFC’s RemiMartinn and Vancouver’s AlexExraa squared off, with the games commentated by broadcasters Max Bretos and Mark Rogondino. They ultimately battled to three 2-2 draws (6-6 aggregate) after the third leg included a dramatic conclusion.
With LAFC winning, 2-1, Whitecaps’ forward Yordy Reyna tallied a 91st-minute equalizer to salvage another tie. That came on the heels of a second leg whereby LAFC winger Brian Rodriguez tied the match in the 75th minute with a volleyed-home strike.
The drama started, though, in the first leg when LAFC forward Carlos Vela equalized in the 75th minute. If that wasn’t enough, Pablo Sisniega robbed Vancouver newcomer David Milinkovic of a 90th-minute penalty kick that would have surely given AlexExraa a 3-2 win.
The games were produced in partnership with Allied Esports and are part of a 10-game FIFA 20 series streamed live on twitch.tv/lafc.
“During this challenging period, our agreement with Allied Esports allows us to continue to be a force for good in Los Angeles by raising money for charities fighting COVID-19,” LAFC EVP and CBO Larry Freedman said in a release. “At the same time, we are also providing high-quality content and a direct connection to our supporters and fans when we cannot be together physically."
