With two wins from two, six goals for, and just two goals against, LAFC's start to the 2019 season has been near perfection. But as we've learned from last season, each week in the MLS season brings a new test.
LAFC will leave the friendly confines of Banc of California Stadium for the first time this season. On Sunday, LAFC will face NYCFC at Yankee Stadium.
Of course, LAFC is no stranger to tests away from home. To start its inaugural season in 2018, the Black & Gold were on the road for the first six matches, winning four and securing a record 12 points on its travels. And hot starts are becoming the norm around these parts, too. Only LAFC and the Chicago Fire have started consecutive seasons after coming into MLS with consecutive victories. Of the 16 teams in the last years to start a season with two wins, 11 have made the playoffs.
Be There When We Return To Banc Of California Stadium Against RSL
As LAFC travels to NYC, the goal is to extend that hot start to three out of three, a feat LAFC fell short of last season - for what it's worth, in the past five seasons, five MLS teams have started with three wins in a row and all of them qualified for the playoffs in that season.
Here's a look at LAFC's first away test of the season at NYCFC:
Where To Watch/Listen
LAFC at NYCFC, March 17 at 12:00pm PT
TV: FS1, FOX Deportes
Radio: Streaming on ESPN app, KFWB 980
Official Watch Party: Free Play
Opponent Form
New York City FC is undefeated to start the 2019 MLS season. Unfortunately for the Pigeons, they're also winless. Domè Torrent's side squandered a two-goal lead to start the season in Orlando before holding Wayne Rooney's DC United to a 0-0 draw at Yankee Stadium.
What The Team Is Saying
Christian Ramirez on why LAFC has started the season well once again: "We have a chip on our shoulder. We left some unfinished business last year and a lot of the guys returned. They're fueled by that. At the same time, the approach that teams take on us when they are physical or more defensive, we're starting to figure that out. It's a challenge that Bob [Bradley] presented to us in the offseason and preseason. It's been good to get those early results and now it will be a test this weekend."
Bob Bradley on the support his team enjoys away from home: "We've got such a connection with our supporters. We, of course, talk about always walking into Banc of California Stadium and the feeling when we look into the stands and the 3252. In a little over a year, we've had great away support. I think with so many clubs around the world, away supporters are special. The effort that they make to come and make sure that when you're in that visiting stadium you can look to a corner and know you've got people that are there with you every step. That is so important, and we appreciate the efforts that our away supporters make."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Eddie Segura, Walker Zimmerman, Latif Blessing; Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Lee Nguyen; Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez, Carlos Vela.
What To Watch For
Continuing The Hot Start: It's already been noted above, but MLS sides that enjoy success early are more likely to be successful come the end of the season. Last year, LAFC was one of the 11 teams out of 16 to win their first two matches of the season and go on to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Over the last five season, no team that has won its first three matches has failed to make the playoffs.
Filling In For Beita: Since joining LAFC before the start of its inaugural season, Steven Beitashour has been a constant on the right for LAFC. The defender started 30 of LAFC's 34 matches last season. Against Portland, Beitashour had to be substituted for precautionary reasons after experiencing concussion-like symptoms. This week in training, Bob Bradley mentioned they'd be taking it slow in bringing the defender back into the full squad and it was doubtful he'd travel to NYC. That means we're likely to see a reconfiguration of sorts to LAFC's backline. Latif Blessing filled in admirably at right back to finish the Timbers match, but Bradley has more than a few options. Danilo Silva can also play at right back, and with the depth LAFC has at center back, a three-man backline could be employed.
Playing In Tight Spaces: The pitch at Yankee Stadium is, for lack of a better word, weird. It's laid out askew to the crowd at the stadium, it has a pitcher's mound lurking, there are a few different kinds of grass, and it's tiny. For some teams that last aspect might be a major problem. LAFC spends most of its week training in confined spaces though. Bob Bradley drills his side on being able to play in congested areas to open space for attackers in behind and around the opposition. That's not to say it won't be a challenge. LAFC will have to be committed to the task and connected across the pitch to find routes out of pressure. There should be a concerted effort to move the ball along the pitch in quick, short bursts but there will be times to go over the pressure to bring the team up the field. If LAFC can balance those two options, the quirks of Yankee Stadium shouldn't play too much of a factor into this one.
