By Justin Ruderman
After clinching first place in the Western Conference on Saturday due to Austin FC’s draw against Nashville, LAFC hosted a Sunday night match against the Houston Dynamo. Houston has nothing left to play for this season but that didn’t stop them from beating LAFC a couple weeks ago. The Black and Gold on the other hand were looking for no less than three points in a tight Supporter’s Shield race, which they controlled their own destiny in, heading into the final three matches, as they intended to keep destiny in their own hands.
Match Summary
The game had a frantic pace from minute one with Houston gegenpressing in the first five minutes in an attempt to catch LAFC out. It was effective, but was helped by sloppy first half passing from the Black and Gold. Denis Bouanga was LAFC’s outlet as he was all over the pitch early on, winning the ball back and releasing quickly. As he gained some control for LAFC, he made his first genuine contribution since arriving by drawing a penalty on Griffin Dorsey. Bouanga’s footwork was too quick for the Dynamo right-back who couldn’t help but bring him down. Carlos Vela dispatched the penalty to give LAFC an early lead in the eighth minute. The goal didn’t slow down the pace of play at all as Houston continued their impressive first half. It paid off for the Texans in the 25th minute when Carrasquilla played a sensational ball over the top of the LAFC back line to put in former LAFC player Corey Baird 1v1 on Crépeau. Baird calmly slotted it past the Canadian international to level the game, but didn’t celebrate out of respect to his former team. Continuing his active first half, Denis Bouanga would’ve drawn a second penalty were it not for the play being called back for his original tackle in the center circle, deeming he committed a foul as he won the ball before breaking forward. It seemed as if an evenly played half would end with an even scoreline until LAFC found another penalty claim, this time through Ilie Sánchez firing a header at goal off a corner, which was stopped by the arm of Fafa Picault. VAR gave the penalty which Carlos Vela put in the same spot as the first to give LAFC a (likely undeserved) 2-1 lead just before halftime.
The second half started as well as the first half ended for the Black and Gold as their quick start paid off immediately courtesy of the highest scoring defender in MLS. Ryan Hollingshead smashed his chance into the roof of the net as the ball fell to him in the box due to yet another creative move from Denis Bouanga, although he was not credited with an assist as the ball took a deflection. Houston became deflated after going down 3-1 which allowed LAFC to take control of possession and flow before bringing on Gareth Bale and Mahala Opoku for Chicho Arango and Carlos Vela sixty-three minutes in. Fifteen minutes later, soon after Bouanga had his 1v1 shot saved by Steve Clark, LAFC brought on Cristian Tello and Latif Blessing for Denis Bouanga and José Cifuentes. The depth of LAFC never ceases to amaze as Steve Cherundolo used all five subs, finishing off by bringing on one of the best defenders in the league this season, Jesús Murillo, in place of Eddie Segura. LAFC controlled the second half with ease after the third goal, finding a massive three points to stay in control of the Supporter’s Shield race. It was also Steve Cherundolo’s 20th win in his first season as an MLS head coach, tying former LAFC manager Bob Bradley for the most of any first year head coach in MLS history. Two more wins would secure the team’s second Shield in their first five years of existence, while breaking that record. MLS Cup however, is the main goal this season.
Looking Good
The most obvious positive to take from this match was LAFC’s newfound ability to draw penalties. LAFC had previously only had three penalties the entire season with the last coming against San Jose, way back on May 28th (17 games without a penalty). In large part this was due to the directness and quick feet of Denis Bouanga, who could’ve drawn two penalties himself if not for the second claim being called back for his original foul. The second penalty was a bit luckier, though such handall calls will generally only be given when shots are put on target, which Ilie did. Heading into the playoffs, this could be another key to finding a narrow win. Games will be close in the playoffs, so if you have players that can draw a penalty in critical moments, it can become a crucial difference maker.
A positive that was a little less noticeable was the defensive shape. Out of possession LAFC dropped into a 4-5-1 and occasionally a 4-4-2 with either Vela or Cifuentes pushing up with Chicho/Bale if they were looking to apply pressure. For the most part though, it was the 4-5-1 defensive shape with wingers tucked in as wide midfielders. This condensed the space in midfield which made it very difficult for Houston to play through. This is why the only goal Houston scored (which was also their only shot on target in the match) came from a ball over the top rather than through the lines. While LAFC obviously don’t want to be caught out with similar passes in behind their back-line, that should be a quick fix, being more aware. Defensive shape however, is a long term focus that Steve Cheurndolo has been looking to enforce all season. It looks to be as strong as ever in the most important time of the year. It will be meaningful to see if LAFC can replicate the defensive performance in their final two matches against playoff teams.
It’s no secret that LAFC have been the best home team in the league this season, but records are starting to be set. This was LAFC’s ninth consecutive win at the Banc of California Stadium this season, tying Philadelphia Union’s 2020 run for the longest home win streak in the five years LAFC has been in the league. After securing home field advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs and looking to do so through MLS Cup, this is a very good sign of what could come for the Black and Gold.
Areas for Improvement
Dominance from the first whistle needs to be the goal of LAFC, especially against poor opposition as was the case with Houston. Instead, LAFC allowed Houston to press higher and more effectively in the first half, giving away the ball with many sloppy passes which a better team likely would’ve taken advantage of. The halftime adjustments from Cherundolo and co. have been outstanding, but Cherundolo also says he doesn’t focus on the second half until halftime. It’s all about the first half plan heading into each match, and that plan surely wasn’t to draw penalties. While it worked out this time, Cherundolo himself was unhappy with the response to the opening goal, saying that the team unnecessarily put themselves in danger. Playoff games won’t be won in one half or another. LAFC needs to perform for 90 minutes in each match in order to reach their goal of lifting MLS Cup.
Player Ratings
Crépeau: 7
Hollingshead: 8.5
Chiellini: 8
Segura: 6.5
Palacios: 8
Sánchez: 8
Acosta: 7.5
Cifuentes: 7
Bouanga: 8.5 (MOTM)
Arango: 6.5
Vela: 8.5
Opoku: 7
Bale: 7.5
Blessing: 6.5
Tello: 6
Murillo: N/A