It was the third time LAFC and Philadelphia Union faced off in under a year, but what set it apart from the earlier two meetings was this played out to a dreary 0-0 draw on a stormy grey night in Pennsylvania on the first day of fall. It was the second scoreless tie LAFC managed to pull off this week on the road, having played against St. Louis City earlier this week.

Philadelphia, who have already qualified for the MLS playoffs, have beaten every club in the league except for one – LAFC. There were zero shots needing saving by either goalkeeper. The last time LAFC registered two consecutive clean sheets in the regular season this year was April. Max Crepeau, once again added a clean sheet to his 2023 season. While he wasn’t tested, it’s important to note as head coach Steve Cherundolo did, “every game he plays he gains confidence, fitness and ability to focus.”

And, while the night wasn’t exciting on the pitch, in the table, it was more positive for LAFC who went up two second place in the Western Conference and still have four matches to play before the start of the post-season matches. Due to the quick turnaround between matches, LAFC’s leading scorers Denís Bouanga and Carlos Vela were kept off the starting lineup, contributing to the paucity in shots at goal (2) during the game.

“We’re in a good spot. We also have some games next week that we have to appreciate and take care of as well,” Cherundolo humbly asserts. Perhaps a trophy is in their near future after all. LAFC next host Tigres UNAL in Wednesday’s Campeones Cup, an annual match between the current MLS and LIGA MX Champions. The match is kicks off at 8 p.m. local time.