Los Angeles FC’s season came to an abrupt end this Saturday in the Major League Soccer Western Conference semifinals. That of Hugo Lloris too. The French goalkeeper experienced an evening full of twists and turns before breaking down at the end of the penalty shootout between his team and the Vancouver Whitecaps (2-2, 4-3 tab).
Two weeks after easily getting rid of Austin in the previous round, LAFC hoped to continue their momentum against Thomas Müller’s Whitecaps. But his first period was catastrophic. Poor ball possession and logically, two goals conceded before the break.
On the opening score signed Emmanuel Sabbi, Hugo Lloris is not exempt from all criticism. Like two of his teammates in defense, the French goalkeeper misread the trajectory of the ball and found himself trapped. Steve Cherundolo’s talk in the locker room at half-time, however, had the merit of waking up Hugo Lloris and his partners.
Hugo Lloris saves a shot on goal
And especially Heung-Min Son who reduced the gap at the hour mark before scoring twice in stoppage time in regulation time (90th + 5). Just before the second goal of the former Tottenham, Vancouver found itself down to ten following the expulsion of Tristan Blackmon (90th + 3). Tie at the final whistle, and therefore extra time. Last thirty minutes entirely to the advantage of Los Angeles.
Opportunities galore, including a cross found by Denis Bouanga at the end of the stretch (120th+2). Head to penalties with this 2-2 draw. A session that will not smile at LAFC. Despite a save from Hugo Lloris on the opponent’s fourth attempt, Heung-Min Son’s initial miss and that of Marco Delgado caused the fall of Los Angeles. End clap for Hugo Lloris and his family this season.
