Steve Cherundolo highlights LAFC's preparation to adapt to opponents

Soccer is a place where the unexpected reigns supreme, and Los Angeles FC pulled off one of those surprises in the 2024 Leagues Cup with an overwhelming 3-0 win over Club Tijuana. With a brilliant performance from Cristian Olivera and Denis Bouanga, the Californian side not only showed their strength, but also established themselves as one of the favorites for the title. Olivera, with two goals and an assist, and Bouanga, with a goal and two assists, were the conductors of this orchestra that delighted the crowd at BMO Stadium.

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From the opening whistle, LAFC showed that they were not messing around. The team, already coming off a solid MLS season with 14 wins, 5 draws and 5 defeats, took to the field with the confidence of a team that knows what it wants. And what they wanted was simple: victory. The 3-0 final result, as well as securing the three points in the Leagues Cup, extended LAFC's impressive record against Liga MX clubs to 5 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats.

But it wasn't just the win that caught the eye. The manner in which it was achieved made it clear that LAFC are on a different level. The duo of Olivera and Bouanga turned the game into a real spectacle of deadly counter-attacks, taking advantage of every space left by Club Tijuana. Olivera, who returned from the Copa America hungry for goals, didn't disappoint and showed why he is considered one of the great promises of Uruguayan soccer.

LAFC's efficiency was relentless. Even with only 34% possession, the team amassed an expected 4.9 goals, showing surgical precision in their attacking attacks. On the other side, Club Tijuana, coming off a promising campaign in the LIGA MX, barely managed to threaten, adding just 0.9 expected goals with a high possession rate. The difference in performance was clear, and the victory could have been even more elastic.

Steve Cherundolo, LAFC's coach, highlighted the team's preparation and ability to adapt to their opponents' style of play. “After watching the opposition, you have an idea of how they're going to play, but you don't really know until the team shows up and confirms what you've seen in previous matches. But we saw opportunities in transition, and to get our guys into those half-spaces, and there they are very difficult to mark,” said Cherundolo.

However, it wasn't all celebration. The match had its dramatic moment in the 12th minute, when LAFC's Eddie Segura, in a header attempt, hit Tijuana's Christian Rivera, who fell unconscious. Rivera was taken to hospital, but fortunately was conscious and had the use of his limbs, according to later reports. The incident sparked a strong reaction from Tijuana coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who was eventually sent off after confronting the referees. Saucedo, Tijuana's assistant coach, criticized the refereeing decision and suggested that the foul was a crucial turning point in the game.

Cherundolo also commented on the incident, showing concern for the health of the opposing player, but defending Segura's integrity. “It's always sad to see a player lying on the ground unconscious, and we're happy that he's okay and that he seems to be making a full recovery. But it's always scary, that moment. It seems a very unfortunate situation. I don't think there was any ill intent on Eddie's part, it was just a bad angle; unfortunate, I guess. But that's sport, things happen, and we're glad the player is okay.”

The match, with its ups and downs, was a reflection of the intensity and unpredictability of soccer. LAFC, with this victory, not only consolidated their position in the Leagues Cup, but also showed that they have a team prepared to face any challenge.