LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos has expressed his frustration with Major League Soccer for failing to support the club during the Concacaf Champions Cup by adjusting their regular-season schedule, labeling the situation a “scandal.”
In the first leg of the CCC semifinal at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night, LAFC secured a 2-1 victory over Toluca, marking their fourth match in just 11 days.
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“We’re heading into the second leg of a semifinal undefeated. It’s extremely challenging. Very challenging,” Dos Santos noted in his post-match press conference.
“We’ve faced Real España, Alajuelense, Cruz Azul, and Toluca multiple times. To think we’ve managed to stay unbeaten through this? It’s not just a walk in the park. This isn’t a video game,” he stated.
“The scheduling is a scandal. It’s astonishing. Who in the organization thought it was a good idea to have us play in San Diego? Do they not want us to reach the final? MLS needs to support its teams better.”
Dos Santos emphasized that other leagues have made adjustments to accommodate their teams during key international tournaments.
“In South America, when teams like Palmeiras and Flamengo reach the latter stages, they receive assistance. Games are rearranged for them,” he mentioned. “PSG has had many of their matches in France rescheduled as well.”
“We’ve been playing every week for 10 weeks—Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, and sometimes even at chaotic times like Saturday at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Honestly, who is the ‘genius’ behind these decisions? I’d like to meet them.”
ESPN has reached out to MLS for their response.
Next, LAFC will head to San Diego to face San Diego FC this Saturday before traveling to Toluca, Mexico, for the second leg of the CCC semifinal on Wednesday.
“At some point, enough is enough. I’ve kept a lot inside, but we now have to win in San Diego. After that, it’s against Houston at home, and then we face St. Louis and Nashville,” Dos Santos said.
“People seem to think coaching is like a PlayStation game where players never get tired. But that’s just not reality.”
He also mentioned plans to rotate the squad for the match against San Diego, ensuring players get some rest ahead of the critical second leg against Toluca.
“Mikey Varas, head coach of San Diego, if you’re listening, there will be rotations because everyone needs rest, and we have to be prepared for Toluca,” he confirmed.
Currently, LAFC is positioned third in the Western Conference with 20 points from 10 matches.