Laurent Ciman hadn’t played for Los Angeles Football Club since May 26. That’s 360 minutes of game time without LAFC’s captain, absent because of his obligations to the Belgian national team.
His shot cleared Columbus’ wall off a free kick and hooked into the bottom right corner of the net, just past the arms of goalkeeper Jon Kempin.
“His free kicks have been a great surprise,” coach Bob Bradley said. “In certain situations, he’s capable of coming up with something that’s different.”
LAFC (8-4-3) continued what Ciman started four minutes later when forward Latif Blessing approached the net and unleashed a shot that was blocked and sent right back to him.