Los Angeles Football Club kicked off their Leagues Cup campaign with an overwhelming display of domination, instantly positioning themselves as frontrunners for the title of champions of the tournament.
As the reigning MLS champions, LAFC began their international journey from the Round of 32 and they leveraged that hard-earned advantage. This stands in stark contrast to Club Pachuca, who entered as champions of LIGA MX but faltered against Houston Dynamo FC.
LAFC left no room for a comeback from their opponents, securing dominant victories and highlighting a formidable presence in the tournament.
In their opening game, they trounced FC Juárez 7-1, with goals coming from Vela (x2), Bouanga (x3), Hollingshead, and Ordaz. Advancing to the next phase, they outclassed fellow MLS outfit Real Salt Lake with a resounding 4-0 victory, with Bouanga (x2), Ordaz, and Krastev finding the back of the net.
Under the guidance of Steve Cherundolo since 2022, the Angelinos have transformed into a side adept at exploiting opponents' weaknesses and converting them into their own opportunities.
LAFC’s Transformation: Strategic Rest for Revival
After an impressive eight-game undefeated streak at the start of the current MLS season and a journey to the finals of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League, where they fell 3-1 on aggregate to Club León, LAFC experienced a dip in form. They recorded 3 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws between their Champions League defeat and the beginning of Leagues Cup.
However, the team utilized the two-week break to regroup, refocus, and realign their strategies, as Cherundolo highlighted in a press conference following the victory against Real Salt Lake. "Prior to this tournament, we had the chance to put the players through training sessions, multiple training sessions."
"We were able to work with them and attempt to revert to our old habits, behaviors, and game principles. And that's proven to be helpful. We saw it against Juárez and again tonight," he added.
An Epic Clash at the Rose Bowl awaits
LAFC are set to face a tougher challenge against a higher-quality opponent in the quarter-finals of Leagues Cup.
The iconic Rose Bowl with a capacity nearing 90,000 spectators, will host a stellar showdown against CF Monterrey on Friday, August 11th, at 10:00 PM ET.
The Rayados remain unbeaten in the Torneo Apertura of LIGA MX and have extended their strong form into Leagues Cup, eliminating their arch-rivals, Club Tigres.
"Monterrey are a top-tier team, devoid of weaknesses," praised Cherundolo during the press conference when asked about their Mexican adversary.
He further added, "It's a team you could place in a European league and it would hold its own. They're great, strong, physical, fast; they can play both vertical and slow-paced football, they can combine. They possess excellent finishers and defenders."
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