THE 3252 ROARS IN PASADENA AGAIN—BUT IT ISN’T ENOUGH

LAFC

The drums, the fans, the smoke, the energy—all showed up in the Rose Bowl tonight. But a stoppage-time push couldn’t convert in what ended up being a lively yet disappointing match from an LAFC missing both Carlos Vela and offensive precision. CF Monterrey, on the other hand, posted control of the ball and of the match throughout, especially in a dynamic second half. 

The first nineteen seconds would’ve had you believe LAFC’s offense would dominate a sloppier Monterrey defense as Denis Bouanga nailed a penalty kick to the back of the net after a foul in the box. With an incredible Mateusz Bogusz performance that resulted in a goal in the 42’ and an impressive midfield game for LAFC, it’s the last twenty minutes the club would like to have back. Liga MX’s CF Monterrey maintained possession seventy-one percent of the time, but you wouldn’t be remiss to believe it was more if you witnessed the incredible goals from the Mexican club.

Catching an LAFC defense off-guard and discombobulated, the 80’ and 88’ goals stunned the crowd and lifted the Monterrey fans to their feet. LAFC had some fight left in stoppage time following Rogelio Funes Mori’s game-winner for Monterrey, but, alas, even Nathan Ordaz’s two-game goal streak had to come to an end. 

Interesting to note is the prevalence of yellow cards and VAR in a very physical game. VAR was able to draw attention and award Monterrey with a deserved PK in the second half that went uncalled by the referee on the field, and yellow cards were handed out from 7’ onward. 

There is still much to be said about the matchup between CF Monterrey’s impressive ball control and LAFC’s strong control as well. What played out was a high-movement, strong-possession match. Say what you will about the loss; LAFC is still looking like their old self. While we’re used to seeing LAFC with the majority of possession, it was their non-possession game that proved the most interesting, as the defense proved itself again and again against multiple shots on target and a match played primarily in and around LAFC’s box. While Carlos Vela’s return may be that missing piece that helps the Bouanga/Bogusz-led fast break offense convert and win with consistency (although José Cifuentes may continue to be missed following his transfer to the Scottish Premiership’s Rangers), there is a lot to be excited about in LAFC’s near future. 

And if it wasn’t for a flubbed final corner kick in 100’, we may have seen penalties and perhaps another LAFC match on the 15th. 

An alarming streak of Rose Bowl losses is beginning for LAFC (now two—within a few weeks), a curious development that hopefully dies soon, as THIS IS OUR HOUSE. Even in Pasadena. 

Liga MX will be represented in the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals by CF Monterrey at Nashville FC on August 15th. LAFC resumes MLS play on August 20th, hosting the Colorado Rapids at BMO Stadium.