LAFC’s chances of topping the Western Conference fade

It’s been a season of ups and down for Los Angeles FC, underlined by Sunday’s 0-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium. That result, the team’s 10th of the campaign, leaves Steve Cherundolo’s side fourth in the Western Conference standings. Also gone, is the chance to finish the regular season as Conference leaders - that is a surprise for a team that little over a year ago lifted the 2022 MLS Cup.

Sunday’s defeat leaves St Louis City as the leaders of the West - 10 points clear of Real Salt Lake, their nearest rivals, and 11 ahead of LAFC. The team’s performances have left a lot to be desired, but so has Steve Cherundolo’s tactical approach going into games. Both need to be seriously questioned as it’s disconcerting to see the defending champions in a tailspin.

More than anything else, LAFC find themselves where they are because of their inconsistency. After suffering three straight defeats (Charlotte FC, Inter Miami and Portland Timbers), they beat LA Galaxy in El Tráfico (4 -2) and drew the next two games (St. Louis City and Philadelphia Union). In the middle of last week they missed out on lifting the Campeones Cup, losing on penalties to Mexico’s Tigres.

Law of the former against Real Salt Lake

Perhaps the most painful part about the defeat to Real Salt Lake was that the visitors’ goal was scored by former Black & Gold player Cristian Arango. The Colombian striker found space between Ryan Hollingshead and Jesús Murillo and was free to head in Rubio Rubín’s cross on 72 minutes.

What now for LAFC?

LAFC are fourth in the West and obliged to win all of the three remaining games to finish finish as high as possible. Cherundolo’s team could possibly finish on 57 points - if they win all of their games.

This month they see out the regular season with games against Minnesota United (Wednesday 4th), Austin FC (Saturday 7th) and Vancouver Whitecaps (Saturday 21st).