The final game of the group stage for the Leagues Cup is here for LAFC. So contrary to popular belief game number three against Queretaro would be the easiest one, seeing as they sit on 0 points through two games. Nothing is handed over easily. Queretaro has an opportunity to play spoiler and prevent LAFC from moving on.
LAFC starts out the game in control of possession and creating opportunities. One thing that’s noticeable from the start is the man-to-man defending by Queretaro. They are smothering LAFC, especially when LA gets near their box. LA in control, but it only takes one chance to flip a game upside down.
LAFC is having troubles getting a shot off. On every attempt they are deflected on an attempt and the ball doesn’t go anywhere. In the 12th Queretaro strikes. Queretaro gets a shot on goal that Hugo Lloris saves, but it’s the follow up header of the loose ball that goes into the net. LAFC defenders were there, but they didn’t react quick enough and it’s 1-0 Queretaro.
Surprising score, early in the game. This puts a lot of pressure on LA now. They need to win, plus the goal differential could play a big part also. LAFC keep pushing but Queretaro is right there on every shot attempt. They are playing impressive team and individual defense.
That was the story of the rest of the half. LAFC heads into the half down a goal. They need a big second half showing and to find a way to open things up for more space to create shots. I have no doubt Marc Dos Santos will continue to push and go for it.
Early into the second half LAFC continued pressure burst the pipe. Ryan Raposo lays off a nice cross inside the box past the diving keeper and straight for Denis Bouanga for a swift tap in. LA ties the game at 1-1. The opening LAFC was looking for. As usual, Bouanga is the one who comes through.
Game on. LAFC will need another one at some point. But this is a start. Will this force Queretaro to open things up more? LA continues missing chances by slim margins. A ball just missing the goal posts, twice, by Son. Open shots sailing away. This will be a game of what-ifs, in case LA is unable to make a comeback and get the win.
More of the same continued for LA. Less attack by Queretaro, who seemed content to take this to PK’s. Seconds into stoppage time, Bouanga had a chance to clinch it, with a long and curling lob, that just snuck around the far post and missed by a couple feet.
LAFC was pushing till the final moments and they got close multiple times, but Queretaro survived. The ref doesn’t give LA a final throw in and Bouanga kicks the ball into the air in frustration. Penalty Kicks are next. LA needs to win in PK’s or they are out of the tournament.
LAFC are becoming kings of the PK’s. Each guy stepped up. Bouanga, Son, Yevhen Cheberko, and Ryan Hollingshead stepped up and knocked down the penalties. Querétaro’s Daniel Parra hit one off the crossbar and it was up to Ryan Porteous to close it out for LAFC. Porteous steps up, and nails it, 5 for 5. LAFC gets the win and 2 points to keep them alive, pending results of Sunday’s games.
A frustrating performance and game by LAFC, who by all accounts had chances, but just couldn’t make them count. Not getting the full 3 points from a Queretaro team that is finishing the tournament at the near bottom, thanks to this 1 point, is something LA will look back on with regret.
Man of the Match:
Seems to be a repetitive pick, but Denis Bouanga has been on a genuine tear, since the return from World Cup break. Another goal in this one, set up by Ryan Raposo. Doesn’t matter if it’s league play or Leagues Cup or CONCACAF Champions Cup, you can always count on Bouanga to deliver.
Next Match:
LAFC will return to MLS action on Saturday, August 15, when the club hosts their rivals San Diego FC at BMO Stadium. That match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Apple TV