LAFC’s chances of making the 2021 MLS Playoffs are slim.
After drawing 1-1 with the Vancouver Whitecaps, LAFC no longer controls if they are in or out of the playoffs.
Last night’s draw, LAFC sits in 9th place, tied with Real Salt Lake in points. This Decision Sunday, LAFC must rely on a combination of results to at least make it as the last playoff team.
If LAFC makes the playoffs do they decide to keep Bob Bradley as head coach.
If they don’t make it, then is it time for them to hit the reset button? Only time will tell what LAFC should do.
LAFC Take on the White Caps
LAFC went down 1-0 in the first half in the 14th minute. This was a game where LAFC had to be perfect; this one fault could cause them to miss out on the playoffs. LAFC would take a while to respond. After a series of rebounds in the Whitecaps area, Mamadou Fall would slot the ball in and tie it up just before halftime.
Once play resumed, it would be all LAFC for the second half. LAFC played one of its most dominant halves this whole season. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough for them to get the win.
Opportunity upon opportunity, yet LAFC was unable to capitalize on any. Carlos Vela would add some spark to this offense, subbing in on the 72nd minute.LAFC would have one final opportunity towards the end when a ball was struck across to goal, but Chicho Arango was millimeters from getting a header off and scoring that crucial goal for the win.
LAFC Need to Be Clinical when Finishing
Last night’s match also saw a glaring weakness in LAFC’s game. With a whopping 26 shots and 11 on target, compared to Vancouver’s 5 and 2 on target. LAFC just wasn’t clinical enough. It felt like you could give LAFC an extra half an hour of time, and the game would still end in a draw. What Chicho has done since coming to the MLS cannot be underestimated. However, with Vela barely returning from injury, others needed to step up but haven’t.
Brian Rodriguez scored last week, but he hadn’t scored in the past six games before that. LAFC’s second-highest scorer this season is the already departed to Turkey, Diego Rossi.
The attacking has a lot to answer, and with key pieces that might not return, LAFC need another goal scored like Arango.
Featured Image: LAFC
