Sanchez was instrumental in helping LAFC win their first MLS Cup (Picture: LAFC)
For Ilie Sanchez, it was simple: convert his penalty kick and Los Angeles FC would clinch their first MLS Cup. Miss and the longest night could go on and on and on. But no pressure, at least that’s what the midfielder claims.
The Spaniard stepped up, scored and sparked wild celebrations at LAFC’s BMO Stadium as the club finally overcame a Phildelphia Union side that simply would not lie down last November.
For a club of glitz and glamour, with part-owners such as Hollywood actor Will Ferrell, it added some footballing street cred to the streets of Tinseltown. Forget Sunset Boulevard, the real stuff is going on at downtown Los Angeles.
Sanchez was happy to play his role. ‘(There was) no pressure at all, he told Metro. ‘We just wanted to be done with the final, finally, because it took us the 90 minutes plus extra-time, plus the stoppage time, and at the end we had to finish it with a shoot-out.
‘I was fourth in the order (of takers) and when I got the chance to take it, it was just a matter of getting it done as soon as possible and putting it in. That was my thought process. If (I didn’t score), I knew Gareth (Bale) was (next) behind me so he would finish it for sure. That took some pressure off my shoulders, also John was incredible in goal.’
Former Wales forward and five-time Champions League winner Bale was not needed. The deed was done and LAFC, who had salvaged a 3-3 draw in extra-time with ten men after the sending-off of goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who broke a leg in the process, had triumphed 3-0 on penalties.
Sanchez and his fellow players managed to celebrate their win, albeit quite briefly (Picture: LAFC)
But with holidays planned and the next pre-season schedule already being laid out, there was not too much time to enjoy it. ‘Very short!’ Sanchez added when asked about the aftermath.
‘We celebrated at the stadium afterwards with our families and our friends, the LAFC fanbase, and after that most of us sick, maybe because of the celebrations… The ownership put together a good celebration that same night. As soon as the final is played, you go on vacation so you celebrate for a few days, weeks and your vacation time gets shorter.’
The new season began with a surprise call-off at the Rose Bowl last month as the city derby (‘El Trafico’) against LA Galaxy was postponed due to torrential rain and flooding.
But it did not take long for the reigning champions to get up to speed, beating Portland Timbers 3-2 in their 2023 opener after racing into a 3-0 lead in 52 minutes before being pegged back.
Sanchez says LAFC have remained focused on what comes next (Picture: LAFC)
Next, they go to Costa Rican outfit LD Alajuelense in the last 16 of the Concacaf Champions League in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Friday) UK time. Sanchez believes they can reach another level under boss Steve Cherundolo.
He says: ‘We are so focused, since pre-season started, on getting better and stronger as a team, focusing on what Steve wants us to do. We’ve been working for him for a year and it’s in our system but we have some new details to add to the current model.’
However, LAFC were not everyone’s favourites to win the title again this season, with Philadelphia Union – the team they beat to win the MLS Cup just four months ago – favoured by some. Featuring designated player and Hungary midfielder Daniel Gazdag, who scored the final goal as his country beat England 4-0 in that now-infamous Nations League tie at Molineux last June, they have won one and lost one of their opening two MLS matches.
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The nature of the MLS model means it is an open competition and 19 different clubs have won the championship to date.
Sanchez adds: ‘I just saw the power rankings and we are not in first place anymore. This just happens here, I’m not complaining about it. I’m actually excited about this situation, where you are the current champions and the next season you’re not the favourites. This makes this league more interesting compared to others.’
The two sides do not meet until September, at Union’s Subaru Park, but when they do it could be a dress rehearsal for another scintillating final between the pair. Sanchez will be glad to step-up again if so.
All MLS, Leagues Cup and select MLS Next Pro and MLS Next matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes and game consoles and the web at tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass will feature the most expansive and accessible line-up of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app
MORE : ‘2020 wasn’t our year but we have another shot at the Champions League,’ says LAFC’s Maxime Crepeau
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‘We are so focused since pre-season started.’