'Uncanny errors' - LAFC's Steve Cherundolo bemoans costly mistakes as Black and Gold are dominated by Chelsea in their Club World Cup opener

MLS side Los Angeles FC fell to English giants Chelsea 2-0 on Monday in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener, but manager Steve Cherundolo isn't hanging his head low after the defeat. However, he is taking away a few notables that hopefully see them improve in their last two Group Stage matches against Esperance De Tunis and Flamengo in Group D.

"I think I was happy with our defensive performance," the former U.S. international said after the game, speaking to DAZN. "I thought we, for the largest stretch of the game, did just fine. I think what let us down a little bit was more meaningful possession. And, you know, uncanny errors in possession for us. I think our passing, especially in the opponent's half, needed to be sharper for us to be a real threat today against Chelsea, and that's what we'll improve on the next couple of days to try to beat down Esperance."

Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secured the result for the Blues, who had a relatively dominant and straightforward performance throughout the 90 minutes.

At the full-time whistle, the Blues ended the contest with 65 percent possession and 17 total shots in the game, with six ending on target. LAFC, meanwhile, had just seven total shooting attempts on the evening, but four of them did end up on frame, including one great chance late. In the 78th minute, star winger Denis Bouanga was found wide open on the back post, but his tap-in effort went just wide, and with it, their chance at a result.

"I think we had enough chances to score tonight, but I'm fine if we just save those goals for the next match and come out on top with three points, that would be a bigger preference for me," Cherdundolo added postgame.

The match, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, saw just 22,137 people attend, with the capacity being 71,000. The venue is home to MLS side Atlanta United and the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

Chelsea have one Club World Cup tournament victory in their history, defeating Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2021 final of the competition. LAFC are making their first appearance in the tournament.

Cherundolo and the Black and Gold return to the pitch for game two of the Club World Cup against Esperance de Tunis Friday evening at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tenn.