SUMMARY
- Controversy arose during a snowstorm at the LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake match in Utah.
- LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo disapproved of playing the match in severe weather, questioning the decision and suggesting the game should have been called off.
The beautiful game of soccer sometimes collides with the harsh realities of weather. In a recent incident, a Major League Soccer (MLS) match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Real Salt Lake (RSL) in Utah became embroiled in controversy after being played amidst a snowstorm.
On March 2nd, 2024, America First Field in Sandy, Utah, was blanketed under a heavy snowfall. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the MLS match between LAFC and RSL went ahead, albeit with a delayed kickoff and a temporary suspension due to lightning.
LAFC manager scrutinizes MLS for continuing with the game in blizzard
LAFC coach, Steve Cherundolo, expressed his disapproval of the decision to play the match in such severe weather conditions. He further questioned the decision-making process and argued that the game “could have and should have been called.”
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Steve Cherundolo said, “It was impossible conditions. I feel terrible for the players that we put them through this.” Backing his players he believed it is not kind of MLS to put players go through such situations. He further added, “It was an absolute joke we had to play today. It was one of the worst professional sporting events I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Claiming the game to not go through he added, “The game could have and should have been called [off]. In my opinion, it was an absolute disgrace we had to play today.” While some supported Cherundolo’s stance, others acknowledged the complexities involved in postponing or relocating matches.
While Cherundolo’s strong criticism ignited the debate, there are aspects to consider beyond his initial response. Player welfare is paramount in any sport. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for injuries due to the slippery and unstable playing surface
Real Salt Lake boss contradicts LAFC boss on mentality
While LAFC boss, Steve Cherundolo went against the decision of the MLS. Real Salt Lake boss, Pablo Mastroeni had some other ideas. Real Salt Lake defeated Los Angeles FC to earn their first win of the season. Pablo Mastroeni went on to contradict Cherundolo to back his players.
the gif you’ve been waiting for pic.twitter.com/OAoJ4Y7sEZ
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 3, 2024
Pablo Mastroeni said, “It’s about mentality. You don’t prepare by training in it, right?” Backing the ability of his players he added, “And I think the team that quickly adapts to the circumstances around them and controls the controllables has a better chance in it.”
Crediting his players and backing his team for such an emphatic victory he said, “It wasn’t easy for either team, so just a real credit to the players and the mindset to not allow circumstances beyond their control to affect them.”
We ❤️ snow games. pic.twitter.com/pa7KSW19S4
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 3, 2024
The MLS feed found on the X website doesn’t reflect the serious perspective of players or coaches. Rather it aims to replicate the fan’s opinion. This is why there is a difference in the tone between the LAFC head coach and the MLS social media feed, although LAFC fans probably didn’t want to witness their team playing in the snow any more than Cherundolo did.
RSL’s social media feed was also quite cheerful, but it was because the club was leading 3-0 at the half and managed to prevent LAFC from scoring for the rest of the game. Fans even celebrated shirtless after the victory.