LAFC extended their winning streak to six on Saturday after defeating Charlotte FC 5-0 at Banc of California Stadium.
Goals from Jesus Murillo, Jose Cifuentes, Carlos Vela, Chicho Arango and Antos Walkes propelled the Western Conference team to three points and widened their lead atop the table. LAFC continues to lead the Supporters’ Shield race, standing six points clear of second place teams Philadelphia Union and Austin FC.
“Six-game win streak we have a target on our back. You have to bring it each and every game because teams are coming. I think from our standpoint, having that competitive nature, that competitive drive for all of us. We know that the little details go a long way and now it’s just treating every game like a final,” said midfielder Kellyn Acosta.
“We’re getting closer and closer to our goal, holding up the Supporters’ Shield and onto the playoffs, but you have to take it game by game, and we all know that.”
It was a stunning second half performance by the home side, after finishing the first 45 minutes with a 0-0 scoreline. Charlotte adopted a defensive strategy to juxtapose LAFC’s intense attack, but they simply couldn’t hold off their opponents’ efforts after a while.
“The end result was great, obviously the first half could have been a lot sharper but I think the second half we turned it on. We were persistent and clinical in front of the goal, I think to showcase our depth and our talent on our team with five different goal scorers so for us, I think it was a good result, something we can build on and looking forward to Tuesday,” said Acosta.
“I think teams come out and try to play counterattack and look for an opportunity in that sense against us, but second half is much more complicated for them with the players that we have, the intensity and the subs we have. I think I can compare it to an avalanche. They won’t hold it. We’ve got a strong team and there’s no stopping,” added defender Jesus Murillo, who scored in the 49th minute.
The victory also came without blockbuster reinforcements Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini, with head coach Steve Cherundolo listing “load management” as the cause for their absence. The two were rested as a result of LAFC’s upcoming week, facing D.C. United on Tuesday before visiting the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.
With the MLS playoffs quickly approaching, Cherundolo is leading his side to a record-breaking season and Supporters’ Shield triumph.
