Manager Steve Cherundolo admitted they weren't at their best against the Premier League side, but learned a lot from the result
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Chelsea defeat LAFC 2-0 in Group D actionMLS side outplayed by English foeLess than one-third of stadium filled with attendanceWatch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT HAPPENED?
MLS side Los Angeles FC fell to English giants Chelsea 2-0 on Monday in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener, but manager Steve Cherundolo isn't hanging his head low after the defeat. However, he is taking away a few notables that hopefully see them improve in their last two Group Stage matches against Esperance De Tunis and Flamengo in Group D.
"I think I was happy with our defensive performance," the former U.S. international said after the game, speaking to DAZN. "I thought we, for the largest stretch of the game, did just fine. I think what let us down a little bit was more meaningful possession. And, you know, uncanny errors in possession for us. I think our passing, especially in the opponent's half, needed to be sharper for us to be a real threat today against Chelsea, and that's what we'll improve on the next couple of days to try to beat down Esperance."
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secured the result for the , who had a relatively dominant and straightforward performance throughout the 90 minutes.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
At the full-time whistle, the ended the contest with 65 percent possession and 17 total shots in the game, with six ending on target. LAFC, meanwhile, had just seven total shooting attempts on the evening, but four of them did end up on frame, including one great chance late. In the 78th minute, star winger Denis Bouanga was found wide open on the back post, but his tap-in effort went just wide, and with it, their chance at a result.
"I think we had enough chances to score tonight, but I'm fine if we just save those goals for the next match and come out on top with three points, that would be a bigger preference for me," Cherdundolo added postgame.
The match, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, saw just 22,137 people attend, with the capacity being 71,000. The venue is home to MLS side Atlanta United and the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chelsea have one Club World Cup tournament victory in their history, defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2021 final of the competition. LAFC are making their first appearance in the tournament.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LAFC?
Cherundolo and the return to the pitch for game two of the Club World Cup against Esperance de Tunis Friday evening at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tenn.