LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris kicks the ball up the field during the second half of their MLS match against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. That’s why Los Angeles Football Club head coach Steve Cherundolo, a self-described news junkie, is surprised that the “very busy” events of the day, both home and abroad, haven’t come up more often in conversations between the organization’s players, coaches and staff.
“Things definitely do affect us,” Colombian defender Eddie Segura said. “Maybe some players less than others. Some may be more sensitive. There’s many things that hurt and get to us. When we do come in here and we get to practice this lovely profession as a professional soccer player we do talk about things that happen. But once we’re on the pitch we lock in and focus and we do our work and we enjoy.
However at LAFC’s training facility, BMO Stadium or on the road, the news cycle has not colored the “strong” relationships between players from different cultures and religions, Lloris said. Lloris’ fourth straight league shutout on Wednesday night against Minnesota established a new LAFC record: 390 minutes without conceding a goal in MLS regular-season play.