It was a lopsided contest between the MLS Cup and the Canadian Cup winners, with the northern neighbors falling twice to LAFC to a similar tune of a 3-0 beatdown in both quarterfinal games.
The Game: LAFC 3 (6) x 0 (0) Vancouver Whitecaps
Very different from the Costa Rican side Alajuelense, which seemed unphased by the 3-0 loss to LAFC at home, The Whitecaps couldn’t build a comeback win against the defending MLS Champs this past Tuesday (11) at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles, with the Southern California club moving on to the Concachampions semifinals after an aggregate result of 6-0.
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After a costly penalty that resulted in LAFC’s first goal, the next score and likely dagger into the Caps’ chances came on a clinical dime from midfielder Ilie Sanchez to captain Carlos Vela, which had no issues putting the ball past the young goalkeeper Hasal and put the home team up 2 at the half.
In the second, Equatorian Jose Cifuentes, who came off the bench, still added a tremendous third goal after hammering one twenty yards out into the young Whitecaps keeper’s top bin.
Friendly Canadians
After a disastrous 2 games, the Whitecaps seemed happy to leave the competition where they did, with coach Vanne Sardini maintaining the team “learned from the experience.” Still, the marathon of games and the deficit of the first game made the lack of depth a death spell for the Italian coach and his players.
Ultimately, the visiting coach conceded that his side had been beaten by a good team, perhaps the best in North America. “I want to congratulate Steve,” said Vanni. “He’s done an excellent job making [[his star players]] play like a cohesive team.”
LAFC’s youth was also on display, with young Erik Dueñas subbing in again in midfield for the Black and Gold. He’s one of the youngest players for the club to suit up at that early age during a continental Cup game.
More: GALLERY: New York Red Bulls 0 – 0 Nashville SC
For LAFC, El Trafico Next
The Los Angeles Football Club now turns its focus to the MLS regular season for this weekend’s matchup with the neighboring rival, LA Galaxy. The two teams live opposite moments, with the Galaxy still seeking its first win while Steve Cherundolo’s team remains undefeated in the competition.
All pictures by Celso Oliveira – Território MLS
(Cover: Celso Oliveira – Território MLS)
