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The opening month of the Major League Soccer calendar won’t make or break Los Angeles Football Club’s second season, but it will let them know where they stand.
League action begins Sunday at Banc of California Stadium when the defending Western Conference champions, Sporting Kansas City, return to L.A. as the lone squad to beat Bob Bradley’s team twice last year
The pair met in a high-stakes match in Kansas City in late October, and despite being up a man for much of the contest LAFC failed to secure the division for itself and avoid a home knockout contest.
Pushed from first to third place, LAFC fell at home to Real Salt Lake days later in an unceremonious end to a successful expansion campaign.
“It hurt for a long time. I know (Bradley) was upset,” said LAFC assistant coach Ante Razov. “The whole staff was upset because I think we could have gone pretty far in the whole run. Young club. You learn a lesson and now we’re building on season two.”
Adding defensive depth and additional attacking options to an already potent group, Bradley’s expects this team to rank among the league leaders in goals and reduce the chances opponents had last year.
“We know in order to be a complete team we have to defend better,” Bradley said. “We also gave up more goals than the top teams normally allow.”
Colombian Eddie Segura was brought in to help the cause and after an excellent preseason seems well positioned to earn an opening day start alongside center back Walker Zimmerman.
LAFC’s starting lineup is basically set, Bradley said, though there will be discussion about who features at center forward: Christian Ramirez or Adama Diomande.
Both players have shown improvement over last season, and as Salvadorian Rodolfo Zelaya works himself back into shape there should be competition among the trio to see the field.
Five matches during the first month provides a strong early test for the squad.
Following Sunday’s opener, Portland, which lost to Atlanta United in the 2018 MLS Cup final, visits the Banc. LAFC then heads to New York for its first match at Yankee Stadium before a home showdown with the RSL group that ended their first season. The month of March wraps up at San Jose against the new-look Earthquakes, who played tough during a 3-0 preseason victory over LAFC.
“From top to bottom guys are focused,” Harvey said. “Last year we were more worried about building a roster and getting our foot in the door. This year MLS Cup is what our goal is and I think it’s very attainable.”
Atlanta United FC showed the way last year by winning the cup in its second season.
Said Bradley: “Everybody is excited and understands the level of intensity and tempo all need to get cranked up to make sure you’re ready to go in the first match.”
Head coach Peter Vermes has instilled an identity into Sporting’s play that Bradley says overlaps with what LAFC likes to do, setting the table for high-paced and competitive league opener.
Bradley (140-103-63) and Vermes (133-99-82) rank No. 1 and 2 respectively as the winningest active coaches in MLS.
Kansas City got off to a strong start by earning its first-ever win on Mexican soil with a 2-0 result over Toluca FC in the CONCACAF Champions League on Thursday. The result moved KC to the next round against Panamanian club Independiente. A quick turnaround on Tuesday may prompt Vermes to rotate some of his regulars.
“They’ve played a few games already and are gaining more fitness and sharpness,” said LAFC defender Jordan Harvey. “We will be ready for anything regardless.”
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