For the second year in a row, LAFC has a chance to win consecutive matches to start a season. Obviously, with Banc of California Stadium still under construction at this time last year, those wins in the inaugural season came on the road. After a 2-1 over Sporting KC in the home opener, the Black & Gold have the opportunity to make it two of two to start a season at home in 2019.
Lining up opposite LAFC on Sunday is another difficult competitor from last season. Portland defeated LAFC at home and managed a draw in LA in 2018 - LAFC's one victory against the Timbers came in the U.S. Open Cup. Gio Savarese's team harassed and frustrated LAFC over long stretches in both regular-season matches through compact play in the back and energetic breakouts going forward. That style of play served the Timbers well as they reached the MLS Cup final in 2018.
LAFC vs Portland Timbers
Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC vs. Portland Timbers:
Have Ideas
LAFC is a team that is in its happy place on ball. And that's just fine with Portland.
The Timbers have no problem defending deep and for long periods of time. They are going to stack their lines well in their defensive half and they'll have them compact enough to squeeze you when you try and play in between. LAFC can't simply go through the motions in possession. Players will need to have a clean first touch and clear ideas of where to play the ball on before even receiving it. Portland won't be easily moved otherwise and the resulting dead ends could spell disaster going the opposite way.
Stay Connected
With the likes of Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco lingering higher up the pitch and looking for an out ball, the Timbers are adept at making teams pay in transition.
LAFC players need to be hyperaware of their work off the ball, especially when in possession. Portland will invite you to come forward but it's not always the right moment. Bob Bradley's team will need to be patient and quick to assess advantages. Sometimes you can leave space in behind if the team is balanced at that moment. Other times it might be prudent to stay close to your mark in the instance of a quick transition back the other way.
Keep The Mentality
Against SKC, we saw an LAFC team determined to stick to their style of play even in the toughest moments.
Portland is going to be physical and look to frustrate LAFC. And they're always ready to sucker punch you if you lose focus. If LAFC is going to be successful, they'll need to roll with those moments like they did when they went down against SKC. Maintain your way of playing and don't abandon the ideas you work on in training every day. That way, when the advantages arise, everyone is on the same page.
