Leon outplays LAFC in First leg, Hosts return leg with a 2-1 deficit
Leon - The most colorful city in Mexico was host to the first leg of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League Final, which resulted in a 2-1 win for Liga MX’s, Club Leon, against LAFC.
The dominance of Club Leon was limited to a 90th minute goal from LAFC Forward, Denis Bouanga. LAFC now host the final game in Los Angeles, this Sunday.
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Fans have concerns for LAFC Midfielder, Jose Cifuentes, over his performance in the 2-1 first leg loss against Club Leon, in the CONCACAF Champions League Final. Photo Courtesy: FOX Sports
Slug Angeles
This was by far the most sluggish performance we have seen from LAFC, and it just had to arrive in the most crucial moment of the calendar year. And yes, Cifuentes might’ve been the least favorite player last night, but from all of the slipping all over the pitch, being outpaced by every through ball possible, and simple mental mistakes all over the midfield, this was definitely the performance to forget for LAFC, and needs to be forgotten quickly.
This first leg looked exactly the same as LAFC’s first-ever visit to Estadio Leon, except Kenneth Vermeer was nowhere to be found. Despite a 2-1 loss, LAFC Goalkeeper, John McCarthy, was definitely the man of the match, stocking up five big saves, and without him, LAFC could have been in a much worse spot for Leg 2.
First-half goals from William Tessillo and Angel Mena were enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate lead, as Club Leon travels to Los Angeles for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final, this Sunday. Photo Courtesy: MARCA
football: a game of moments
Blame it on the pitch, blame it on the elevation, blame it on the atmosphere. The absence of the midfield led to an inexistent attack, and while Dennis Bouanga did score the relieving goal in stoppage time, he was nowhere to be found all game, along with his forward cohorts, Carlos Vela and Kwadwo Opoku. Beautifully enough, football is a game of moments, and where we saw a game that involved a 2-0 deficit with a total of 16 shots against, the only shot that LAFC on goal was the shot that mattered the most. A moment was seized, and this moment was enough to keep the Black and Gold knocking for the return leg this Sunday.
A few crucial things to look out for as we prepare for the grand finale of the CONCACAF Champions League this Sunday are the possible changes that LAFC Head Coach, Steve Cherundolo, could play with:
Without a doubt, the lackluster form of Jose Cifuentes was put on a notice once again, and that could spark a heavy change in the team sheet as USMNT midfielder, Kellyn Acosta, is now available for selection after coming off an injury. A strong and composed midfield is essential for an attempt at a comeback win, and I believe that could only like something with Acosta in it.
The backline didn’t look like its best either, and didn’t have its best players out there as well. Luckily, Centerback, Jesus Murillo, returns to the team sheet after suspension (via yellow card accumulation) so we should be seeing him in the starting XI for the return leg.
It has been reported that 500+ supporters have received aid from LAFC for travel ammenities, spending over $40k in ticket costs for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final in Leon, Guanajuato. Photo Courtesy: LAFC
Props also have to be granted to the 500+ supporters that travelled shoulder to shoulder to Leon, Guanajuato.
It is no doubt that the passionate environment of Leon was a factor in last night’s loss, but it is an even greater guarantee that the same will happen in Los Angeles. With that being said, just like how the 3252 has rolled up to Mexico, the same was done by the Leon fans in 2020.
As I remember, the second leg in 2020 was the only time, as a fan, I’ve felt intimidated by the away support. The roars of “LEON! LEON! LEON!” were louder than the shouts coming from the North End, but nothing was louder than the silence that was created by the left foot of Diego Rossi.
For LAFC and football fans everywhere: wherever you are watching this match, enjoy the history that is presented, and enjoy it with the ones that you love.