Real Salt Lake emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over LAFC in a snowy match in Utah. Despite the win, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo expressed his strong disapproval of playing in such extreme weather conditions. He described it as a “disgrace” and one of the worst professional sporting events he has witnessed. Cherundolo emphasized that the game should have been called off due to the challenging weather.
The kickoff was delayed due to lightning strikes, and players had to briefly return to the locker room early in the match. The heavy snowfall persisted throughout the game, making it difficult for both teams to play under such conditions. RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni mentioned that once the decision to start the game was made, there was little room for changes despite the worsening weather.
RSL took the lead with two goals from Andres Gomez and a third from Chicho Arango just before halftime. Arango celebrated his goal with a snow angel, acknowledging the challenging weather conditions. Cherundolo questioned the decision to continue the game, expressing his disbelief at counting, finishing, or even playing in such conditions.
Despite the controversy, RSL secured their first win of the season following a loss and a draw in previous matches. Mastroeni commended his players for their ability to navigate the snowy field and pass the ball effectively. Cherundolo echoed his sentiments, labeling the game as “ridiculous” and highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by both teams.
