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LAFC Focused and Determined for Decisive Game 3 vs. Whitecaps
All eyes are on Los Angeles FC as they prepare to host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the decisive Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series on Friday night at BMO Stadium. Despite being the top-seeded team, LAFC finds themselves in a winner-take-all scenario against the eighth-seeded Whitecaps, with the prize being a spot in the conference semifinals against the Seattle Sounders.
LAFC Ready for the Moment, Says Cherundolo
The pressure is squarely on LAFC, who were widely expected to cruise through this best-of-three series. However, after splitting the first two games, everything comes down to Friday’s showdown. LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo is confident in his team’s mindset and preparation, emphasizing that his players are fully aware of what’s at stake.
“To be honest, there’s not a whole lot I need to do. The players are very aware of the situation,” Cherundolo stated. “We’re a very ambitious team, and if you have ambitions to win something or go as far as you can in a tournament, then you should welcome those moments. And this team has always responded in those moments, and I fully expect that on Friday.”
Cherundolo has seen a noticeable shift in his squad’s approach this week, noting increased intensity and focus.
“I see more intensity. I see more focus. I see, in some ways, impatience — which I think are all great signs,” Cherundolo added. “I think you’ll see a very focused LAFC who’s going to do everything in their power to win this game Friday night.”
The Series So Far: A Tale of Two Games
LAFC took the early lead in the series with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at home on October 27, with goals from Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera. However, the Whitecaps responded with a statement win in Game 2, dominating LAFC 3-0 on their home turf. Ryan Gauld led the way for Vancouver with a goal, while two of the goals came from LAFC own goals, highlighting the defensive lapses that plagued the defending champions.
Whitecaps Confident, But Realistic About the Challenge
Vancouver, led by coach Vanni Sartini, enters Game 3 with confidence after their commanding victory in Game 2, but they remain aware of the challenge ahead.
“We know that we’ve done a good job,” said Ryan Gauld, who has been instrumental in Vancouver’s attack. “But we also know that we’ve got a huge task ahead of us on Friday. It could be a very different game. We’ve got to treat it like a new game.”
Sartini acknowledges LAFC’s status as the favorite but believes upsets are possible.
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“LAFC is the favorite Friday, pure and simple,” Sartini admitted. “They play at home and are a top-three team with the most talent in the league. But upsets can happen.”
LAFC’s Offense Aiming to Shine
Denis Bouanga, who tied for second in the MLS with 20 regular-season goals, will be crucial to LAFC’s success. Bouanga, who scored a penalty in Game 1, knows the importance of setting the tempo early in Game 3.
“For us, we’re going to have to be offensive, we’re going to have to score goals,” Bouanga said through a translator. “It’s our role to get the tempo of these games and to be offensive.”
LAFC will also look to cut down on the mistakes that cost them dearly in Game 2.
“Last game we made too many mistakes,” Bouanga acknowledged. “It will be completely different this time. We are really focused on ourselves and making it a different game.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
LAFC has been here before, having eliminated Vancouver in a similar situation last season by winning the first two games of their three-game series. This time, however, the series has gone the distance, with both teams now facing a do-or-die scenario. With home-field advantage and the support of their fans, LAFC will be looking to avoid an early playoff exit and keep their championship aspirations alive.
The match promises to be a high-intensity battle as both sides are poised to leave everything on the pitch. Whether it’s LAFC’s star-studded lineup led by Bouanga or Vancouver’s relentless attack spearheaded by Gauld, only one team will move on to face the Seattle Sounders in the conference semifinals.
