LAFC Loses Back to Back Critical Games
LAFC have had their three game win streak snapped and now they are on the verge of not qualifying for the 2021 MLS Playoffs. Back to back losses to the Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes have made the push for playoffs a nail biter. Losing 2-1 against Portland in a game where if they are being honest they should’ve won. Two key opportunities to take the lead cost them. A shot in the 18th minute by Brian Rodriguez, who was alone in front of goal, sailed above the crossbar. Three minutes later Asprilla makes it 1-0 for the Timbers. LAFC were quick to respond however, tying up the game in the 29th minute via a Chicho Arango penalty kick goal.
Things would end up being square at the half. In the second half LAFC started out strong. With Jose Cifuentes taking a shot all the way from the halfway line and coming so close hitting the post. After that it wouldn’t be until the 64th minute where LAFC had a 2 versus 1 in Portland’s area. Where Chicho set up Cifuentes and he was all by himself in front of goal and blew it wide. Less than three minutes after that missed chance the Timbers retook the lead. A goal by Fochive and missed opportunity after opportunity would be the downfall of LAFC in this match.
LAFC Fall to The Earthquakes
LAFC would have to quickly turn the page and focus on the Earthquakes. Unfortunately things would get worse from LAFC as they would go on to lose 2-0. LAFC was in for a long night after falling down to San Jose in the 3rd minute. A poor clearance by Mamadou Fall led to an early goal by Kikanovic. From there it would be a tame first half as LAFC could not muster up any offense and cause some problems for the goalkeeper Marcinkowski. They would go down at the half 1-0. For the second half it was a lot of the same as we saw in the first half. Even another early goal this time by Chofis Lopez in the 47th minute with another terrible clearance. This time it was Kim Moon-hwan who did not clear the ball properly and left it in the box. A shot hitting the side netting and one to the crossbar would be all for LAFC in the second half. It would be another frustrating game for LAFC fans and have them teetering on the edge of the playoffs.
LAFC Seek Revenge
The next three games for LAFC feature a rematch between them and these two teams. Also sprinkled in there as a nice appetizer is the final El Trafico of the season on October 3rd in Carson. Both games against the Timbers and Earthquakes will be played at Banc of California Stadium. LAFC currently sits in 8th place with 33 points only 3 behind Real Salt Lake who are the final team that would enter the playoffs. LAFC has to start playing consistently like they were when they went on the three game win streak. For LAFC to not make the playoffs this season would be a step backwards after winning the Supporters Shield last season and would bring serious questions for Bob Bradley and his continuation with the club.
