What LAFC Needed for Playoffs
LAFC went into Sunday’s match against the Colorado Rapids needing a win. However not depending on itself but others as well to get into the playoffs. Oh how badly they let us down and so did LAFC. LAFC needed Sporting Kansas CIty to win or tie vs Real Salt Lake or Seattle Sounders had to beat the Vancouver Whitecaps in order for LAFC to obtain a playoff spot. Seattle would end up tying 1-1 with the Whitecaps and Real Salt Lake won in dramatic fashion scoring in the 95th minute. If LAFC would have won this past Sunday it wouldn’t have mattered. Putting an end to what was a mediocre season for the black and gold.
LAFC No Shows in Colorado
When LAFC needed to step up the most and give their best performance they failed. You could see where this was going just from watching the last game LAFC played. Opportunity upon opportunity and yet could not take the lead and barely got out with a tie. This past Sunday was no different and once again having to be perfect to get into the playoffs, they failed. It only took 18 minutes for them to crack and unfortunately they would go into halftime down 2-0, after goals from Jonathan Lewis and Collen Warner. Second half would get even worse and Jonathan Lewis would get his brace in the 53 minute. However, there was some glimmer of hope as Chicho made it 3-1 in the 55th. Poor defending and the urgency to tie the game would be LAFC’s downfall as they would finish the season with a 5-2 defeat to the Rapids. LAFC’s overall record this season was 12 wins, 9 draws, and 13 losses. What looked to be a promising season sood went down after Vela’s injury and their inconsistency at the back especially with their goalkeeper.
What Next for LAFC
After this up and down season, what are LAFC’s main objectives this winter? For starters I believe they need to sort out the Vela contract situation as soon as possible. Rumors are swirling that he might join the A-League over in Australia. Other rumors have him joining his former national teammate Andres Guardado in Spain with Real Betis. Could he go back home to the team he came up with in academy, Chivas de Guadalajara. Only time will tell if he stays in black and gold or completes his cycle. Besides Vela you have to figure if you are willing to keep Jamal Blackman as your goalkeeper or part ways and start from zero. While Romero and Sisniega had decent seasons, are they really the future of LAFC goalkeeping. Bob Bradley is definitely on the hot seat, what do you do with him. Do you ride out one more season with him or tell him thank you and part ways. So many high stake questions are left for LAFC’s front office but I know they will do what’s in the best interest for this city and their club.
