by LOS ANGELES — Since Steve Cherundolo took over as LAFC head coach, there have been many great moments. Trophies, records and many more wins than losses.
Sunday at BMO Stadium was going to be another night like that. The stage was perfectly set as they hosted the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final, the biggest match in franchise history. However, a packed stadium and the thunderous energy of the fans quickly waned as Club León held the trophy in the air and celebrated well into the night of Los Angeles.
The Liga MX players walked the halls after the game, blasting music from popular Mexican artist Peso Pluma (who was actually in attendance) as they sang and showed off their championship medals. The cup goes back to Mexico where it usually resides.
LAFC thought it could change that. And after watching the Seattle Sounders become the first Major League Soccer team to win the tournament last year, it was thought MLS could close the gap on the Mexican opposition.
Leon says otherwise.
Not once did they seem out of place beating and coaching LAFC at every possible opportunity. The Black and Gold were actually lucky that the first leg in Mexico didn’t get out of hand, as León somehow only managed to squeeze out a 2-1 win. That left the door open and gave LAFC a little confidence.
“They could have scored four goals out of five, but they didn’t. They left us alive and now we are at home where it will be different,” said LAFC captain Carlos Vela before the decisive game.
However, the only thing that was different in Leg 2 was LAFC’s approach. With their backs against the wall, Cherundolo rolled out a unique formation hoping to gain more control. Giorgio Chiellini was pushed into the line-up and played his first game since April 8.
“This game is not about tactics,” Cherundolo said after the defeat. “It’s about moments and mentality, and in the right moments León was better.”
At least that part is clear.
As a team that has become accustomed to running through opponents, LAFC was underwhelming at the worst possible time. They never matched the energy of the moment, which is what stings the most to some.
“They were at their best and we weren’t, it’s as simple as that,” said LAFC midfielder Ilie Sánchez. “We are so sad because we earned the right to play the second leg at home in front of the best fans you could wish for, and we didn’t deliver.”
The other side of the argument is the endless debate about how the timing and scheduling of the tournament puts MLS teams at a disadvantage, along with another salient factor.
“As an MLS team in tournaments like this, if you want to compete consistently in finals and win these, you’re going to have to rethink the rules and regulations of your squad,” Cherundolo proclaimed. “There’s a little more money on their side of the table, and money in this game buys you quality players. I think we have a good enough team to win this tournament, but with our schedule and all the competitions this year, we had a lot to do.
That sounds more like an excuse than anything, but there is some substance. Those obstacles have always been there and play a big part in why Liga MX rules this tournament. But Seattle showed last year that it was possible. LAFC also almost got it done in 2020.
The structure of both leagues is completely different and probably will stay that way. For MLS teams, reaching these heights is a huge achievement. For Liga MX teams, not beating their American rivals is basically considered a failure.
This final played out as finals often do in CONCACAF. LAFC is now trying to recover quickly and shift focus back to league games, hoping to avoid a slump that many teams playing in this tournament have endured.
The Black and Gold want to be on this podium again, but to do so they must win the MLS Cup or the Supporters’ Shield again. In between, there’s the Leagues Cup, which will give Cherundolo’s side another chance to show what they can do against the Liga MX competition… or to complain about the differences in roster composition.
Where one chapter ends, another begins. One that will be critical to LAFC’s future. One that can force a tough decision on how to move forward with Vela after his contract expires at the end of the season.
If you take a step back, it’s amazing that LAFC make it to the CCL Finals twice in just six years of existence. But both end in defeat is ultimately what will be remembered until they change that. And it remains to be determined when the next opportunity will come.
Instead of a party that would live on in club history, León sent LAFC back to the drawing board.
“I don’t think they are the better team,” Cherundolo said of the Liga MX squad. “I just think they were better for these two games.”
The first part is debatable. The latter is a fact.
And there’s a trophy to prove it.
