LAFC Coach Expresses Outrage Over MLS Match Amid Snowstorm
Steve Cherundolo, head coach of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), voiced his strong disapproval as the scheduled match against Real Salt Lake (RSL) proceeded amidst a severe blizzard at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The coach labeled the situation as an 'absolute disgrace' and criticized the decision to play under such extreme weather conditions.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) head coach Steve Cherundolo expressed his disappointment that the match against Real Salt Lake (RSL) continued amidst a blizzard at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) game was delayed for over three hours due to the severe weather conditions, but despite this, LAFC ended up losing 3-0 to RSL as the snow continued to fall during the match.
Cherundolo expressed his frustration with the impossible conditions they had to play in, calling it an absolute joke.
He stated that the game was not safe for the players and was one of the worst professional sporting events he had ever witnessed. Cherundolo felt terrible for putting the players through such conditions and believed the game should have been called off much earlier.
The kickoff, which was supposed to start at 2 p.m. ET, was delayed by two hours because of strong winds. After finally starting the match, it had to be paused for four minutes due to nearby lightning strikes. The game was then postponed for another hour for safety reasons.
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo watches on from the touchline.
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo watches on from the touchline.
Rob Gray/USA Today Sports/Reuters
LAFC reported that the players had to deal with almost freezing temperatures caused by a powerful winter storm in Utah.
During the game, RSL had a strong performance in the first half, scoring three goals and securing a lead that LAFC could not overcome.
Andrés Gómez scored the first two goals for his team. The first goal came after he skillfully maneuvered past the last line of defense and slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris. The second goal was set up by Diego Luna, allowing Gómez to strike the ball into the net.
Gómez then turned into the provider for RSL's third goal just before halftime. His well-placed cross into the box found Chico Arango, who elegantly slid along the snow-covered grass and guided the ball into the net.
Cherundolo expressed his frustration with the extreme weather conditions that affected the game. He emphasized that despite the thorough preparation done for normal conditions and specific tactics, it becomes irrelevant when the weather becomes unplayable. He mentioned that the intensity of the weather was so severe that he couldn't even watch the game, especially during the last 20 minutes where visibility was greatly reduced.
French World Cup winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was playing in his second game for LAFC.
French World Cup winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was playing in his second game for LAFC.
Chris Gardner/Getty Images
CNN has contacted MLS for comment on Cherundolo’s remarks.
RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni praised his players for their strong mentality and ability to stay focused despite external factors. He emphasized the importance of not letting circumstances affect their performance.
According to Mastroeni, preparation for such games doesn't come from training specifically for them. Instead, he believes that the team that can adapt quickly to the situation and focus on what they can control will have a better chance of success.
“It wasn’t easy for either team, so just a real credit to the players.”
CNN’s Wayne Sterling and George Ramsay contributed to reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The blizzard that struck America First Field during the LAFC vs. RSL match highlights the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced when extreme weather conditions clash with sporting events. While the desire to prioritize player safety is paramount, the pressure to complete games and adhere to schedules can cloud judgment. The severity of the weather, as described by LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo, raises questions about whether the decision to continue playing was justified.
The article underscores the importance of weather preparedness and the need for clear protocols to guide decision-making in such situations. The unpredictable nature of severe weather events necessitates flexible contingency plans and a willingness to prioritize player welfare over game completion. Balancing the interests of entertainment, competition, and player safety requires a nuanced approach that considers the specific circumstances of each event.
