Prediction: LAFC finish first in the Western Conference and return to the MLS Cup final, where they’ll lose to the Eastern Conference champion.Įven if their form dramatically improves, LA Galaxy will need some luck in order to make the playoffs. They should be able to rack up some confidence-boosting wins in the final weeks. Based on current Supporters’ Shield standings, LAFC’s upcoming opponents’ average league position is about 17th out of 29, including five of the bottom seven clubs. This break before their first Leagues Cup match should allow defensive midfielder Ilie Sánchez and box-to-box runner Kellyn Acosta to stay fresh and return to dominating matches once MLS play resumes.įortunately for LAFC, they have a relatively easy end to the season. In order to stay in contention for the MLS Cup, LAFC need to be comfortable slowing the game down and controlling the ball, especially against weaker teams who want to play transitional soccer. LAFC’s match against Minnesota on July 15 went similarly, with Emanuel Reynoso creating high-probability chances for the Loons and converting one himself. Against LA Galaxy on July 4, for example, LAFC had 17 shots and 5 “big chances” according to FotMob’s metrics, but the Galaxy just edged them on possession with 52% of the ball and won the game using Riqui Puig’s ability to control his team’s tempo.

That has worked well for LAFC’s attackers, but leaves the team vulnerable on the counter. LAFC’s summer matches have been turning into basketball games, all transitional play that leaves the midfielders running back and forth constantly, unable to slow things down. That’s exactly what LAFC have lacked recently: control. The Spanish defender is an adept passer who can provide control to LAFC’s build-up play. Palencia - a new signing from the winter - has been a big miss. In fact, the defense has admirably withstood injury issues while 2021 All-Star centerback Jesús Murillo and right back Sergi Palencia have been on the sidelines. Their issue, though, does not seem to be a simple attacking or defensive underperformance. With the Women’s World Cup underway and the Leagues Cup just beginning, this week gives us a prime opportunity to step back and judge how the rest of the season could play out for LA’s three top-division clubs.Īs discussed in last week’s issue, LAFC should be a lock for the playoffs but have stumbled in recent matches. Predicting each club’s end-of-season fate

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