FROZEN IN SALT LAKE—A ‘DISGRACEFUL’ LOSS

LAFC

SANDY, Utah - Manager Steve Cherundolo decried the decision to play the already-delayed match today after Real Salt Lake routed LAFC 3-0 in ‘blizzard-like conditions’ Saturday at America First Field. 

In the 4’, the referee stopped the game for lightning. The game resumed in an inch of snow as more came down throughout the rest of the match. This came after a two-hour delay due to weather.

Cherundolo’s comments came in defense of both his and Salt Lake’s players, who played through the freezing snow before a dwindling crowd. 

Andres Gomez earned a brace for Salt Lake in the first half alone. Christian Arango finished the scoring off a Gomez assist in first half stoppage.

Salt Lake maintained possession for the majority of the game, though the ball—a weather-sensitive orange color—made control difficult. 

All six of LAFC’s shots were saved by Salt Lake’s goalkeeper Zac MacMath. Lloris had three stops himself. Gomez’s second shot soared past him in the 41’ without a dive.

Bouanga had a solid shot for LAFC in the second half but it hit the right post for a ricochet. 

The snow got heavier as the game progressed, and most affected—other than slipping field players—seemed to be Lloris, whose reaction time was decidedly longer than his usual self. 

This marks the third matchday with MLS replacement refs, as Professional Soccer Referees Association is still on strike demanding fair compensation. A red card was handed out to Salt Lake’s Braian Ojeda in the 85’ after his second yellow for a hard foul. 

LAFC plays Sporting Kansas City Saturday.