So much for the trap game, huh?
If you know me or work with me, you know I hate the trap game. No, not because I don't like losing to inferior teams. I just don't believe in it.
Let me say this loud and clear: TRAP GAMES AREN'T A THING!
At least, they're not a thing for good teams. And not just because they win them.
The whole concept of the trap game is predicated on a team overlooking another whether it be injuries to the opposing team's stars, a bigger match on the horizon, or simply put the team's just so much better and they can't be bothered. So look, I get the concept. I just don't buy it.
When you're a team like LAFC with an identity on and off the pitch, those things don't matter. Every day, you walk on the pitch and try to create good football regardless of the opponent. You strive for it in training, in the preseason, and, probably, even playing FIFA.
Because in order to have good football, you need ideas and execution. And from that, you have to have a respect for the game, the opponent, and yourself to the point that you either go on the field to express those ideas or you don't go out there at all. And the days you fail to reach the mark, you might lose. But it wasn't for lack of trying or because you fell into some kind of trap.
So, no. This wasn't a trap game. But LAFC sure did look convincing, didn't they?
Here are the takeaways from LAFC's 4-0 win over the Earthquakes:
You May Never See Better
My running commentary for this Carlos Vela golazo from the pressbox basically went like this.
"Yo... YO... YOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
This goal... this individual moment of brilliance... was a masterpiece from start to finish that unexpectedly crescendoed.
The play really starts with a transition moment, which San Jose had been dangerous from all night. And actually, LAFC looks to have snuffed it out effectively but a bad bounce and the attack carries on. The LAFC backline recovers though and Tristan Blackmon swoops in to put a stop to things about five yards from the end line. And then it's from defense right back to attack.
Blackmon goes forward. LAFC gets a good bounce of their own and its off to the races.
The way LAFC plays vertically and on the run like is nearly unstoppable. Vela, of course, puts his magic on it as well. But it's that speed of thought and speed of play that makes LAFC so dangerous. Win the ball near your own goal? No problem, the Black & Gold have both the footballing nous and skill to know exactly what to do even in those moments.
Not To Be Outdone
Shame this pass didn't garner an assist.
How many players have this pass in their lockers:
Eduard Atuesta brings this every week it seems. In addition to shielding LAFC's backline to the tune of the league's fewest goals allowed.
The Colombian is an anomaly in MLS. Remember that "true No. 6" debate from last season? Yeah, me neither because they all went quiet.
Truth is, there's more than a handful of different ways to play as a defensive midfielder in football. And it doesn't necessary mean you have to be a donkey with the ball at your feet.
MLS could use more No. 6s that can pull off the pass above.
Breaking the Man-To-Man System
Bob Bradley talked about it. MLSsoccer.com talked about it. Matias Almeyda talked about it. Even I talked about it.
We're contractually obligated when mentioning the Almeyda's San Jose Earthquakes to follow up with a reference to man-to-man defending within the next two sentences. Look it up.
But seriously, it's been both good for the Quakes - once they came to terms with it - and a hot topic around MLS since the start of the season.
And it was fun to watch LAFC carve it up over and over.
The approach from the Black & Gold was simple. They understood they'd find no soft spots on the pitch. Anywhere an LAFC player roamed, they expected to have an SJ player not far behind. So use it to your advantage.
LAFC spaced SJ so well and they were patient. Instead of running right to the open space, players occupied their marker until they knew the ball carrier was able to make the pass. That's when LAFC went into action.
Countless times you could see Latif Blessing and Lee Nguyen running into space as a ball was already played, their markers running just a few steps behind. There was intent in their movements and a confidence in the player on the ball. It had San Jose chasing shadows and opening even more avenues to play through.
At times in the second half, LAFC lost track of this - what can I say, the players were having fun and feeling themselves a bit - and it resulted in a touch too many or a wrong decision. But for the most part, LAFC outhustled and outwitted the Earthquakes.
Local Kid Does Good
It was a long time coming. And It wasn't for lack of trying.
Josh Pérez scored his first MLS goal to wrap up the scoring for LAFC.
The past few weeks, Bob Bradley has singled out Pérez for praise after training. The Montebello-native has the work ethic and tools, he just needed the confidence.
Look at that first step to glide by the defender and you see a flash of that confidence. Add Pérez to the likes of Tristan Blackmon, Mohamed El-Munir, and Lee Nguyen, and you've got proven talent LAFC can count on from the squad.
Not to mention Brian RodrÃguez and Diego Palacios providing even more options in the very near future.
Happy To Have You Back
Can you tell I'm stoked to have Mohamed El-Munir back?
After hearing the extent of his injury, I just hoped he might be available come playoffs. I definitely didn't expect him to be available for the next Galaxy match.
El-Munir returned to the pitch ahead of schedule. He had to rock the Zorro mask but, otherwise, he looked the same.
He was slick on the ball and quick in recovering possession for LAFC.
It was a big night for the entire backline against San Jose. The already mentioned Tristan Blackmon had a MOTM performance in Walker Zimmerman's place, Eddie Segura snuffed out attack after attack and was great in building from the back, Steven Beitashour provided thrust from the right side, and Jordan Harvey had two timely interventions. And Tyler Miller had some big stops to maintain the clean sheet.
Getting Mo back is a big boost to this team and to the fans. Since joining, he's endeared himself to everyone with his humble attitude and work ethic. And it was that work ethic and the work of the LAFC performance staff that resulted in this moment. El-Munir said the ovation he received just reinforced how amazing the LAFC Supporters are on matchdays.
It's good to have you back, Mo.
