LAFC never really played to their full potential this season as they dealt with injuries and inconsistencies. However, that still didn’t stop them from being able to qualify for this year’s playoffs. The Black and Gold will line up against the reigning MLS Cup champions, the Seattle Sounders.
LAFC was already in danger of losing Rossi in the first round as he was going to be away playing for Argentina in their World Cup qualifier. That reality becomes even clearer as it was reported that he has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Brian Rodríguez, who also accompanied Rossi to play for Uruguay, has not yet been confirmed to contract the virus, although he may have been exposed.
With Diego Rossi testing positive with Uruguay last night, three of the four @LAFC players on international duty have failed COVID-19 tests Jose Cifuentes and Diego Palacios are the others
— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) November 18, 2020
José Cifuentes and Diego Palacios have also tested positive while away playing for Ecuador. All three and possibly four will be ineligible to play for LAFC come time for their first playoff game.
Losing the quartet of players is a striking blow to the Black and Gold. There’s no doubt that the absence of Rossi will hurt the most as he was the team and league’s leading scorer this season. They already faced a tough matchup against the Sounders, but now the odds are even worse. LAFC still has a chance to pull off a major win, but they’ll have to be firing on all cylinders to do so.
Game Details:
Seattle Sounder vs LAFC
Tuesday, November 24th, @ 7:30 PM
