MLS
Philadelphia Union vs LAFC: Crépeau pre-match press conference
LAFC keeper Maxime Crépeau looked ahead to the Black & Gold’s MLS clash against Philadelphia - the team he broke his leg against 10 months ago.
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who this weekend is set for his third start for Los Angeles FC since recovering from a horror leg break, says he missed the buzz of first-team soccer during his long recovery.
Crépeau made his LAFC comeback in last weekend’s 4-2 win over crosstown rivals Los Angeles Galaxy, 10 months after fracturing his right tibia and fibula in the Black & Gold’s MLS Cup final victory over Philadelphia Union.
The 29-year-old then kept a clean sheet on Wednesday as Steve Cherundolo’s men came away from Missouri with a goalless draw against St Louis City.
“There’s a rush of adrenaline that you can’t reproduce”
Now, as LAFC prepare for their first MLS meeting with Philadelphia since winning their maiden league title at the Pennsylvanians’ expense last November, Crépeau says he’s relishing the “rush” of being back and is out to help the team preserve their unbeaten record since he returned.
“It feels good, I’m quite happy to finally be back with my team-mates and have that feel of a game at the highest level,” the Canadian international told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game at Subaru Park.
“I’ve missed it and I’m enjoying being back. There’s a rush of adrenaline, an edge to the game that you can’t reproduce. So it feels good to be out there and we’ve got to keep building on that momentum.”
Crépeau “good to go” for busy run of LAFC games
LAFC’s visit to Philadelphia is the third of seven matches in a three-week period - but Crépeau says he has no qualms about tackling such a packed fixture schedule so soon after his return.
“Everybody knows that if I’m available I’m good to go,” he said. “Since the Leagues Cup [knockout stages in August] I’ve been back in [the matchday squad], and bring me seven, 10, 14 games in 22 days and I’ll be fine. I’ll have no problems with it.”
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Philadelphia Union vs LAFC: key match info
Los Angeles FC face Philadelphia Union today, Saturday 23 September, with kick-off at Subaru Park scheduled for 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT.
LAFC lie third in the MLS Western Conference regular-season standings, while hosts Philadelphia sit fourth in the East.
You'll be able to stream the game live on AppleTV.