For a second consecutive Leagues Cup game, the Los Angeles Football Club hosts a familiar foe on a resodded field at BMO Stadium.
Technically, that’s re-resodded after boxing and Eminem on Aug. 3 caused the entire grass surface to be replaced, and then the Foo Fighters on Friday and Sunday prompted the north end, where the stage sits for concerts, to get new turf for a second time.
Last Wednesday, despite its ragged appearance, players from both sides kept their footing on the 48-hour field, which cost close to $200,000 to lay down on a tight schedule. As LAFC handled Austin FC and advanced to the tournament’s Round of 16, seams separating the rolls of grass appeared dangerously visible, but the game concluded without incident.
“I think referees are in charge of the safety of the players and if they deem it not playable then that’s their prerogative,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “That hasn’t happened.
“I do know our grounds crew and stadium ops are making lemonade out of lemons.”
Days after heavy machinery tore up the grass while erecting a massive truss that towered above the Riyadh Season boxing ring, a big bounce near the same spot at midfield led to Hugo Lloris’ assist on Denis Bouanga’s opening goal against Austin.
Immediately after clearing the playing surface following the game, preparations for the Foo Fighters began. Floorboards were laid down through the end of Sunday’s show, and the hope is that with six days between games the field, except in front of the supporters’ section, should be in better shape.
“For sure it was different,” said Mateusz Bogusz, who connected on the final pass for Cristian Olivera’s goal in the second half that sealed LAFC’s 2-0 victory over Austin. “We get so used to play on a good field at BMO Stadium – all the time it has a good field – now it’s a little bit different but we cannot complain. The field is the same for both teams so we need to just go and be ready for what is there.”
It might not look like the field anyone would want Olivier Giroud to make his LAFC debut on, but Cherundolo confirmed the French striker is available to play against the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday night.
Coming into the League Cup, San Jose was nine points worse than anyone else in MLS. The team had, however, beaten LAFC back in May at Levi’s Stadium.
Since 2022, when Cherundolo replaced Bob Bradley, the California teams are deadlocked at 3-3-1.
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San Jose last visited BMO Stadium in June and suffered a 6-2 loss, prompting the firing of head coach Luchi Gonzalez two days later.
Under interim head coach Ian Russell, the Earthquakes have used Leagues Cup to gain confidence and hone an identity, treating the competition “like a new season.”
Forward Jeremy Ebobisse is leading the monthlong Liga MX-MLS festivities with four goals.
Since Russell took over, Cherundolo senses “a new spirit about” the Earthquakes, who crushed Club Necaxa, 5-0, in the Round of 32. “Here in this particular competition they’ve been excellent.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES AT LAFC
When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
TV/Radio: Apple TV+ – MLS Season Pass/710 AM, 980 AM
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