Thanks to everyone that sent in questions for the first #AskLAFC Mailbag. It was fun getting to see what's on some of your minds - and also have some of my co-workers give me some schtick on Twitter.
A new set of questions this week. We're talking taking shots from distance, playoffs and more. And we've even got an answer directly from an LAFC player. So let's have a look:
With only 5 games remaining in the regular season, LAFC play against 4 teams that are not in playoff contention but have nothing to lose. Is that a good or bad thing? Also, is Bradley the type of coach that rests his players once clinching a playoff spot? #AskLAFC - @lafcbenjamin
A lot of people look at LAFC's run-in as a double-edged sword. Starting Saturday with its trip to Chicago, LAFC will play four matches in a row against team's either already eliminated from playoff contention or barely holding on. So in some respects, it's an "easy" slate of games, but you also have a group of players fighting for their jobs next season.
My take on it is that at different points in the season, you have different types of matches you have to manage. Each type has its own set of challenges, and many LAFC players have been on both sides of this equation in their careers. I don't think they worry about it too much, other than the fact they know three points will push them closer to the goal of a top spot in the Western Conference.
As for resting players, one thing to consider in these last 5 matches is the schedule is back to one match a week for LAFC. Without a congested bunch of fixtures, and taking into account Bob Bradley's insistence on fighting for the top of the table, I doubt we see players rested just to rest. And if you can secure a first-round bye, you avoid having a midweek game in the playoffs.
One of the important aspects of the team's game is based on timing and understanding on the pitch. Training will sort out those that deserve to be out there, and from that, Bradley will field the best side with a commitment to continuing to get those ideas refined in match situations.
Are our players hesitant to put their foot through the ball in the box, or is it to do with coaching?? - @TheLAWanderer
I must admit, I've been known to yell "shoot" from the press box on occasion. But looking at the stats, maybe our biases in remembering the times a shot wasn't taken are clouding the bigger picture.
Consider this: LAFC is Top 5 in MLS in both shots on goal and total shots taken - 3rd in SOG with 176 and 5th in Total Shots with 444 so far this season. And through 29 matches, LAFC is second in goals scored with 57. So they're shooting and shooting with regularity as compared to the rest of the league.
But that's just the stats, so I asked Benny Feilhaber to provide further insight on this question. Here is what he had to say:
"First off, I think in terms of shooting in and around the box and just outside the box, you have to be aware of several things. One is where your teammates are. What positions they're in. A lot of times they can be in more dangerous positions than you are yourself. So, you tend to find those spots. And another thing is when you are on top of the box and you have the ability to shoot, that becomes a weapon for you in terms of attracting defenders your way and being able to open up space for other guys.
With the way we play, we have guys like Diego, Carlos, Marco, Dio, Christian, myself, and Lee. All guys that are very good with the ball close to goal. So taking shots outside the box is something that is effective at times when defenses stay too far inside their box, but at the same time, a lot of great teams use it as a weapon in order to get closer to goal, to get those more 100 percent chances inside the six potentially or closer to the goal itself."
Speaking of shooting from distance, it's the anniversary of this beauty from Benny for the US National Team:
@LAFCvince what role do you see for Josh Perez moving forward? Both this year and next? Does he factor into the lineup or is he still a ways away? #AskLAFC - @mattkilliams
My good friend Alex Dwyer had a great article on Josh Perez on MLSsoccer.com a few weeks back. There are lots of good insights in there from both Perez and Bob Bradley.
I've heard good things about Perez's work ethic, and it's translated to him being named in the 18 in a few matches this season. One of the things Bradley always says, and it's noted in Dwyer's article, is that players coming to LAFC are challenged a lot of times. They are drawn out of their comfort zone and that is a learning process. I think Perez is no different, and coming in midseason, from another league, and another country means he's learning on the fly. That being said, he fits a lot of what LAFC is trying to do on the pitch. He's quick, has a good shot from the left, and he's tactically aware. Building a high-level squad is something that never ends. We've seen LAFC's depth tested multiple times this season, and it will again next season. So Perez is part of that building process, and I'd expect to see him on the pitch in his hometown in the near future.
What is your favorite food item at @BancStadium? - @LAFCalex
Finally, we're getting to the good stuff.
One of the cooler things about Banc of California Stadium's food options is the number of places that are local to LA. I've had Chica's Tacos, Beer Belly, Seoul Sausage, and Bludso's BBQ both in and out of the stadium. But I've got to go with the food that is also in my neighborhood in Long Beach, that's the duck fat fries from Beer Belly.
And as a bonus, I'll say this: If you find yourself at The Fields LA maybe on a weekday or before the stadium opens, and you don't have one of the fried chicken sandwiches, you're doing it wrong!
