LAFC Qualifies to FIFA Club World Cup

IMAGE: LAFC Communications

A game full of controversy, given the fact that Club Leon was kicked out of the FIFA Club Workd Cup due to administrative decisions took place in Downtown LA, BMO Stadium to be more precise, Ckub America and LAFC had a tense and tactical match at BMO Stadium. The three time back to back champions was given this chance as the best team ranked in CONCACAF. The Black and Gold;however, was the finalist against Leon two years prior. Back in the day, “La Fiera” defeated LAFC one goal to zero. The following season and a half, America won three championships. Last week, they lost against Toluca.

Steve Cherundolo step at BMO Stadium with Hugo Lloris between the pipes; Eddie Segura and captain Aaron Long as central defenders; Rayan Hollingshead and Sergi Palencia in the wings; a midfield consisting of Timothy Tilman, Mark Delgado and Igor Jesus; and a front three with Jeremy Ebobisse, Nathan Ordaz, and Designed Player Denis Bouanga.

The Liga MX powerhouse consisted of Luis Malaga in goal; Kevin Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Sebastian Casetes, and Cristian Borja in defense; a solid midfield with Alan Cervantes and Erick Sanchez; Alvaro Fisalfo, Alejandro Zendejas and Victor Davila in front; and Rodrigo Aguirre as a solitary stricker.

The first half lacked clear chances and was interesting tactically. The battle between Cristian Borja and Denis Bouanga was difficult to ignore. Erick Sanchez was unstoppable running throughout the field. LAFC, on the other hand , had two chances through Rayan Hollingshead and the same Denis Bouanga. Both goal opportunities came after a passing and defensive mistake from Alan Cervantes and Israel Reyes respectively.

Substitutions for Club America brought two players who had more relevancy in the past: Brian Rodriguez and Diego Valdez, players who would be starters in other teams, had a full half to demonstrate their potential risk. In the contrary, David Martinez and Oliver. Giroud were the new offensive threats in the front for LAFC.

As expected, “Las Águilaa” reacted in the second half. Erick Sanchez, their best player thus far, found a ball outside the area. His unstoppable desire encounter a tackle by Mark Delgado. After a VAR review, a penalty was given. Brian Rodriguez, former LAFC player, took advantage of the opportunity and scored the goal for his team.

In five minutes, Oliver Giroud created three goal chances. However, the draw came from a corner kick and a header by Igor Jesus, this at the 89th minute. Thus, the game went to extra time.

During the last half and hour, the poaesssion, momentum and goal chances belonged to LAFC. It was thanks to Luis Malagon that the goal difference was not bigger.. It was until the 115th minute that the Blaxk and Gold placed the ball in the net. A good sequence of one and two-touch passes ended with a hoot by none other than Denis Bouanga. The crowd, mostly blue and yellow, witnessed how LAFC earned the last spot to the Club Workd Cup..

LAFC will be part of Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengk and Esperance Sportive. The Black and Gokd will begins its journey on June 16 against Chelsea in Mercedes Benz Arena. Four days later, they will face ES Tunis. This, on paper, is the most accessible game in the group stage In June 24, the current US Open Cup holders will go against Brazikian powerhouse Flamengo, this at Camping Workd Stadium in Orlando. On the other hand, América will face Toluca at Dignitary Health Sports Patk in July.