LAFC credit set piece coach for Vancouver Whitecaps victory

LAFC scored five goals against Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday evening to get their MLS Cup title defence off to a winning start.

With the likes of Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela in the team, LAFC are known for their lightning quick counter-attacks and sharp offensive interplay. However on Saturday it was their set piece prowess that proved the difference.

Four of LAFC’s goals in the 5-2 win came from set pieces, unusual for a team playing without a forward known for their aerial ability. In the aftermath of the game LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said that his assistant, Marc Dos Santos, deserved the praise for their set piece dominance.

“Marc is on top of set pieces all season long and we’ve worked with the guys,” Cherundolo told reporters after the game. “In the end, it comes down to consistency of the service and the timing of the runs. And the third factor in set pieces in any league around the world is the will to go get the ball first.”

“In playoff time and in tournaments and in finals in all competitions around the world, set pieces unlock games and unlock results. And it did tonight.”

Dos Santos has insider knowledge of Vancouver

Not only does the 46-year-old know how to organise his side from set pieces, he is also well-acquainted with LAFC’s playoff opponents. Before joining the Black and Gold, Dos Santos spent three years as head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

After the game LAFC goalscorer Ryan Hollingshead revealed that Dos Santos had given the team additional insight about Vancouver’s strengths and weaknesses.

He said: “He’s got a special knowledge of Vancouver as well from his time there, so I think he knows a little bit of the DNA there and how they want to defend. He knows attacking-wise kind of what they’re going to try to throw at you. But he just dissects it in all the ways.”

Hollingshead, a left-back, scored twice from set pieces on Saturday evening. For both goals he made late runs towards the back post and was able to find space free of opposition attention. As LAFC look to retain their MLS Cup crown, Hollingshead expects them to continue to focus on set pieces for the coming Games.

“Our coaching staff stressed just how important set pieces can be in these playoff Games and we know it from our [MLS Cup] run last year how important they can be. So we were active on set pieces, ready to capitalize on moments like that.”