Los Angeles Football Club struggled against the New York Red Bulls 2-2 at the BMO Stadium on Saturday, April 20.
Denis Bouanga’s last-minute curl goal earned LAFC a hard-fought point and showcased their resilience. Despite not securing a win, the team’s determination was palpable a bit. LAFC, still unbeaten at home this season, hasn’t had a stellar start. With a record of 3-3-3 and 12 points, they are six points behind their rivals, LA Galaxy, in the Western Conference League.
LAFC welcomed the New York Red Bulls, who are second in the Eastern Conference League. The home team knew the Red Bulls would be a tough test, and LAFC needed to score early. Sadly, the Red Bulls got in the scoresheet thanks to Eddie Segura’s own goal in the 7th minute, coming from a corner.
In the second half, LAFC started to gain momentum despite the Red Bull’s brilliant defending. In the 61st minute, Bouanga was tackled by Red Bull defender Sean Nealis from inside the box. After the VAR review, Bouanga stepped up to score the penalty without pause.
LAFC has been grappling with defending from set pieces, and this issue was evident on Saturday. Emil Forsberg made 2-1 New York Red Bulls on an excellent delivery from John Tolkin in the 81st minute, scoring a goal. The LAFC players were caught off guard by the set piece yet again.
Once the Red Bulls get the result, it will be tough for LAFC to take them down. LAFC had chances to score, but Sergi Palencia’s long-range shot and Mateusz Bogusz’s short shot were both denied by Red Bull Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.
At the last minute, coach Steve Cherundolo made last-minute changes, replacing Cristian Olivrea with young player Luis Muller, who made his debut and had a shot, but the post denied it.
Right before full-time, Bouanga got the equalizer, curling the ball back to the net. However, LAFC didn’t get three points for the second time, and there are now questions about the team and coach.
So far, LAFC has struggled defensively, and it has gotten worse this year. This season, LAFC’s away record is terrible, losing all games. Also, the Black and Gold conceded ten goals. If this continues, teams like the New York Red Bulls can punish LAFC for good.
The team is underperforming, and coach Cherundolo is slowly showing his true colors. One example was the MLS Cup final in 2023 versus Columbus Crew. Instead of going all out, Cherundolo decided to defend and go for the counterattack. If that doesn’t go according to plan, he lacks ideas when things get tough for LAFC. At times, LAFC struggles to create, and that’s because of how he sets the team. If this continues, LAFC will have a similar season in 2021, where LAFC finished 9th under Bob Bradley.
LAFC needs to focus as they take on the Portland Timbers for the second time following a 2-2 draw at Providence Park last week in Portland.
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