Twice in April, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo experienced “once-in-a-career” moments.
On the 18th, with three-quarters of the way to go, Cherundolo announced his intention to depart at the conclusion of this current season. It’s a decision he has so far declined to address outside of a statement in the press release that was issued the day he made his departure known.
The other came on the 29th when he was forced to forgo one of those remaining matches in his fourth season at the helm.
Making the most of a one-game suspension for the red card in Portland the week prior, Cherundolo watched LAFC’s 2-2 draw with St. Louis from a suite at BMO Stadium alongside his wife and kids.
“It’s not, maybe, something I need to do every week,” he said. “I like also being on the sideline, but, yeah, that was a great experience. Maybe once in a career is fine for me.”
From their view above the field on Sunday, the Cherundolo clan saw LAFC avoid what would have been a bad loss against an opponent that had struggled to score and hovered beneath the playoff line.
Like in the 3-3 tie at Portland, LAFC’s determination was obvious but so was its rush to attack and attempts to force the issue.
“We created enough chances,” said Cherundolo, whose team produced a high xG (expected goals) of 4.6. “Statistically that game is a blowout. There’s no chance you should tie that game or even come close to losing that game. And so we’re not misfiring by much. It was just a few poor decisions and execution in the final third or in front of goal that changes the trajectory of that game and score line. By no means were we unhappy with that performance.”
Earning points in three straight matches inside the league for the first time this year thanks to stoppage-time goals the past two weeks, LAFC’s point total has a chance to catch up with its effort throughout a stretch that could be key when the last few games of Cherundolo’s tenure come into focus in the fall.
May offers seven MLS regular-season contests, including a measuring stick against CONCACAF Cup finalist and top-of-the-table Vancouver in Canada. Otherwise, the calendar presents road opportunities against the worst in the Eastern Conference, Montreal, and the last-place team in the West, the Galaxy.
The first El Trafico of the year is one of three matches for LAFC (4-4-2, 14 points) against the bottom trio in its conference. The others take place at BMO Stadium beginning Saturday against Houston (2-4-4, 10 points), and a midweek game on the 28th with Kansas City. LAFC also hosts Seattle and Colorado.
“We need to be in the business of gathering points and climbing the table,” Cherundolo said. “That’s what we’re concerned with. Yes we look at performances, but we need to win games. We need to start Saturday against Houston.”
Sandwiched between the two-leg CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against Inter Miami, the two met last month in Texas. Playing around a rotated midfield and backline, LAFC fell, 1-0, on newcomer Jack McGlynn’s only goal so far for the Dynamo.
Having watched McGlynn dribble to the top of the box, where the 21-year-old struck a shot low by Hugo Lloris for Houston’s first win of the year, Cherundolo said LAFC must be aware of the midfielder’s left foot as a passer and finisher. The Dynamo comes in unbeaten in four after Czech designated player Ondřej Lingr scored in his debut last week to help defeat Austin.
HOUSTON DYNAMO AT LAFC
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
TV/Radio: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass/710 AM, 980 AM
Related Articles
Denis Bouanga’s late heroics lift LAFC to tie with St. Louis LAFC’s Frankie Amaya ‘happy to be back in MLS and closer to home’ LAFC acquires Frankie Amaya on loan from Liga MX’s Toluca FC LAFC earns draw with Portland on Denis Bouanga’s late penalty LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo leaving at the end of the season Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( LAFC knows it needs to be ‘gathering points’ this month )
Also on site :