LAFC top the Western Conference after 10 games
The Los Angeles Football Club scored two late goals to defeat Minnesota United 2-0 at the Banc of California stadium to earn their fourth home win of the season.
Steve Cherundolo has made an immediate impact with Los Angeles FC since taking over the head coach position at the beginning of the 2022 MLS regular season. The former USMNT defender had no experience coaching in the league and doubts existed about his ability in taking LAFC to make a MLS Cup push this year.
Late goals give LAFC the win
Cherundolo’s side hosted Minnesota United on Sunday night at the Banc of California stadium needing maximum points to secure the first place in the standings in the Western Conference. Two late goals in ten minutes earned LAFC a 2-0 win over the Loons with Ryan Hollingshead and Jose Cifuentes scoring for the home side in the 82nd and 90th minutes respectively.
“Creating a more balanced team is something we’ve been focused on since day one and we’ve worked very hard at it and I think we’re seeing the results of that, so maybe that’s the secret behind this early success in the season,” said Steve Cherundolo in the post-game press conference.
“We are not even a third of the way through, so it’s very early, but we are happy with the team, the way they are performing, the way they have embraced our training methodology, our principles and our way of dealing with game day rosters, line ups, set pieces and the whole bit.”
This was LAFC’s fourth home win of the campaign and they have taken 13 of a possible 15 points. LAFC now sit on top of the Western Conference with 22 points, two more than second place Austin boasting a record of seven wins, one draw and one defeat. The Black & Gold will return back to action on 7 May against the number one team in the East, the Philadelphia Union.