LOS ANGELES -- LAFC hosts the Colorado Rapids at BMO Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 25, for the decisive second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round One showdown.
The Rapids hold a 2-1 aggregate lead after securing a victory in frigid conditions on Feb. 18. Now, with a spot in the Round of 16 at stake, LAFC looks to overturn the deficit at home, while Colorado aims to protect its advantage and punch its ticket to the next round, where the Columbus Crew awaits. LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo acknowledges that while his players have adapted to the demanding schedule, it remains a significant challenge for both the team and staff.
"I think it’s a little orthodox is that an important tournament starts before the domestic league, and that raises challenges for us in the preseason, but also getting players going, it’s impossible to prepare players for knockout rounds and matches in five weeks of the preseason, so will you still need a couple of games, to get 100% fit that’s a little unfortunate for MLS teams. Those are the circumstances that we accept, and we will deal with it," Coach Steve Cherundolo said.
However, he emphasized that starting the season with three consecutive home games is an advantage.
"We’ve been at home this last weekend. We’re home tomorrow following this as well, so not having to travel can’t be an advantage for us as long as the travel advantage for us for as long as it goes on," Coach Steve Cherundolo said.
What is the Concacaf Champions Cup?
A premier competition in North American club soccer, the Concacaf Champions Cup has been crowned the region’s top team for over 60 years. The tournament features 27 of the best clubs from across the continent, with the champion earning a berth in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
LAFC has a strong history in the competition, having reached the final in both of its previous appearances (2020 and 2023).
Leg 1 Recap
In the first leg, LAFC and Colorado battled through a scoreless first half in freezing conditions. Early in the second half, Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic converted a penalty kick to break the deadlock before curling a stunning free-kick into the top corner to double Colorado’s lead.
LAFC defender Aaron Long pulled one back in the 87th minute, securing a crucial away goal that could prove decisive in a tiebreaker scenario. It was Long’s second goal for LAFC and his second in his last eight matches across all competitions, dating back to his strike against Sporting KC last October.
With everything on the line Tuesday night, can LAFC turn the tide at home, or will the Rapids hold firm and advance?