Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
Dénis Bouanga and Igor Jesus scored for LAFC after Brian Rodríguez had put the visitors ahead early
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT HAPPENED?
In less than a week, América and coach André Jardine have dealt their fans two heavy blows - a pair major disappointments that have deeply shaken the club.
Yes, the three-peat will go down in history, nothing can take that away. But losing the final to Toluca and now missing out on the Club World Cup after falling 2-1 to LAFC on Saturday night? Two very difficult outcomes. The dream was big, and the pain is just as great. Jardine knows it.
“We’re very hurt. Their pain is ours, keep believing," he said. "This will be a difficult period we have to go through, together. And we’ll go through it the right way, with full confidence that we’re going to move in the direction of becoming stronger for the next tournament. Keep believing - we truly want to take that next step. If it hasn’t happened yet, it’s because something is still missing, and we’re going to figure out what that is."
Jardine said the team, while frustrated, also need rest after a demanding campaign.
“We’ll analyze every area of the team," he said. "And for now, the goal is to rest. There’s no doubt the squad is very tired after such a tough stretch of games, but we have to find a way to come back stronger next season. It’s frustrating - you almost have the victory in your hands.”
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Club América head into the offseason earlier than expected after failing to defeat LAFC in a one-off match for the Club World Cup spot left vacant by León, who were disqualified for violating multi-ownership rules.
It's a heavy blow for Jardine and his team. After being knocked out by Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup quarterfinals and losing the Clausura final to Toluca, Las Águilas now miss out on the Club World Cup as well.
This was also the final match in an América jersey for several players, including Diego Valdés, Javairô Dilrosun, Brian Rodríguez and Néstor Araujo.
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
DID YOU KNOW?
LAFC continues their dominance over the Mexican side, as the Eagles have yet to win in any of their four encounters.
February 2024: LAFC defeated América 2–1 in a friendly.
Leagues Cup 2022: Scoreless draw.
Champions Cup 2022: LAFC claimed a 2–1 victory over Las Águilas.
May 2025 (Club World Cup play-in): LAFC came from behind to win 2–1.
América remains winless against LAFC in all competitions.
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT JONATHAN DOS SANTOS SAID
Midfielder Jonathan dos Santos shared his thoughts on the emotional fallout.
“That’s América - most of Mexico wants us to lose.," he said. "Many teams, many people are happy this happened to us. But this is part of our lives. This is football. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.”
Los Angeles Football Club v Club América - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Play-In
WHAT NEXT FOR LOS ANGELES FC?
LAFC will make their Club World Cup debut on June 16 against Chelsea at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. They will then face Espérance de Tunis on June 20, and will wrap up the group stage against Flamengo on June 24.
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