Asked what LAFC will look to do with the rest of the MLS season after wrapping up the Supporters' Shield, Bob Bradley didn't skip a beat.
"We want to play good football."
That's been the message from Day One. It remains the goal after wins, after defeats, after every training session, and even after lifting the first trophy in Club history.
As the Black & Gold travel to take on Minnesota United on Sunday, expect things to remain the same on the pitch. And with team and individual records within reach, LAFC is aware there's still a lot left to play for this regular season.
But first, it's about good football. The rest will sort itself out.
Let's preview LAFC at Minnesota United:
LAFC at Minnestoa United | Sept. 29 at 4:30pm PT
Where To Watch
TV: FS1, Fox Deporters (match was originally scheduled to be broadcast on YouTube TV, the good news is if you already have YouTube TV then you'll still be able to watch LAFC on FS1)
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Official LAFC Watch Party: Bluebird Brasserie in Sherman Oaks - Exclusively at the watch party is a raffle for a signed Carlos Vela jersey.
Opponent Form
The Loons are riding high after clinching the first playoff spot in team history. Adrian Heath's team is unbeaten in the last three and scored a late winner at home against Sporting KC to punch its ticket to the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
What The Team Is Saying
Bob Bradley on his team's focus to end the season: "Most of all, we want to win two more games. And that would take care of things when it comes to records. We want to play really good football. We want to sharpen up in all the most important ways. We haven't talked a lot about the record book, I think, certainly, players know. So, I don't think that needs to be the focus because if good things happen and we're in a strong way with our football, maybe those things will take care of themselves."
Tyler Miller on whether the defeat at home to Minnesota is motivation: "We obviously know that Minnesota came into the Banc and was able to beat us. Going there we want to focus on doing what we know how to do best. If we can go there and play our game, the result will take care of itself."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Mohamed El-Munir, Eddie Segura, Walker Zimmerman, Tristan Blackmon; Eduard Atuesta, Lee Nguyen, Latif Blessing; Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela, Brian Rodríguez.
What To Watch For
One For The Record Books: Currently on 68 points, LAFC has a chance to time the MLS single-season record for points in a season with a win. The NY Red Bulls set the mark of 71 in 2018, just one season after Toronto FC set a new record of 69 points in 2017. With a win, LAFC would be pull level with the record with one match left to play.
Golden Boot Watch: Another single-season record is in play on Sunday. Carlos Vela is one goal shy of Josef Martinez's record of 31 goals in an MLS season. Vela has scored in his last seven matches. Against Houston, Vela became the first player in MLS history to record 30 goals and 15 assists in a single season. Prior to 2019, no player in MLS history had reached 25 goals and 15 assists in the same season.
Grudge Match: Thus far, the lone blemish on LAFC's home record is Minnesota United. Coming off an emotional draw against the Galaxy and without Carlos Vela, LAFC fell to the Loons 2-0 thanks to a pair of golazos from Mason Toye. It was a disappointing match, as LAFC looked out of sync without their captain and it started a run of five matches without a win. Even with the Supporters' Shield in hand, don't think the Black & Gold forgot. It's LAFC's first trip to Minnesota's new Allianz Field. Bob Bradley's team wouldn't mind being the bad house guests this time.
