Stunned and bewildered, that’s how LAFC left the BC Place soccer pitch Saturday night. In the 89th minute, Andres Cubas scored his first goal for the Vancouver Whitecaps to snatch all three points and end LAFC’s unbeaten six-game streak.
The game was ragged on both ends of the pitch, The Black and Gold were unable to get a shot on goal while racking up a combined 26 fouls between both teams.
Coach Steve Cherundolo disappointed with the results, summed up the game by stating: “What seemed to be an uneventful evening not a whole lot of chances…slow paced game, both teams were a bit cautious…These games are often decided by a few mistakes and we made a mistake, they capitalized on it.”
Perhaps the tight-knit schedule affected LAFC as this marked their 4th game in only 14 days, leaving Cherundolo with important decisions in terms of roster rotations.
Notably absent from the lineup were Carlos Vela, and Brian Rodriguez, cogs of the LAFC attack upfront. Illie Sanchez a force in the middle was on the bench and played only 24 minutes.
LAFC’s famed depth was left searching and their attack went limp, credit to the Whitecaps for keeping them off the scoreboard. Though the Black and Gold couldn’t get the ball in the net, their defense continued to play strong and it was an errant clearance that led to the goal.
With the loss, it’s hard not to speculate if LAFC was overlooking their opponent as they head into another “El Trafico” clash this Friday against the LA Galaxy.
When asked whether LAFC overlooked the Whitecaps, Cherundolo was emphatic saying, “No, I don’t think so.”
Hopefully, Cherundolo’s efforts to keep his player’s legs fresh will be a strength as they look to beat their rivals after two loses this year.
LAFC will have to follow their coach’s example and be ready for the Galaxy, regardless of who is in the lineup, they will need a better effort than they gave in Vancouver if they want a win against their cross-town rivals.
Banc of California Stadium will serve as fortress as LAFC host the LA Galaxy this Friday at 7:30 p.m. pacific time.
