LAFC tops the Western Conference as CONCACAF Champions League final approaches
By Alex Windley
20-year-old winger Stipe Biuk and captain Carlos Vela propelled LAFC's come-from-behind 2-1 victory against rivals San Jose Earthquakes to top the Western Conference table.
Even with injuries to midfielder Kellyn Acosta and defenders Jesus Murillo, Giorgio Chiellini, and Aaron Long, LAFC secured a late victory thanks to the team's quality off the bench.
Head coach Steve Cherundolo credited the roster rotation for the victory, before insisting it is necessary to keep up with the excess of competition this year. The supplemental players proved quite helpful as winger Stipe Buik scored in the third minute to give Black and Gold an early lead. Talisman Carlos Vela secured LAFC's victory with a penalty in the 95th minute.
Despite saying that the upcoming US Open Cup showdown against the LA Galaxy on May 23rd would not affect his lineup decisions, Cherundolo still changed his starting eleven.
“As far as where we are in the league, we couldn't be happier,” Cherundolo said after the match. “Compliments to the players. They've been focused when they need to be focused. We've had very little time on the training field to work. So each minute we've had together on the pitch has been very focused and concentrated and necessary. It's been an amazingly professional environment.”
“I think everybody is really happy in the point and in the place we are right now, because we saw other years, teams playing different competitions at the same times and struggling most of the time,” added Vela.
“And in the way we are managed – games, minutes, tiredness and everything, I think we are doing a really good job. The only thing we can say is like, we are really good team. I think every single player is doing his part. He's trying to help, he’s trying to be positive. When you don’t start you have to be ready to finish the game. … When you play as a team you have really more chances to be in the position we are."
LAFC has now jumped to the top spot in the Western Conference after their win vs. the Earthquakes, with 25 points in 12 matches. The team will be back in action on Tuesday as they take on the LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup round of 16.