In 2019, LAFC got its work done early.
The Black & Gold were the first to clinch a playoff spot, first to wrap up the No. 1 seed in its conference, and, ultimately, lifted the Supporters' Shield as the top team in the MLS regular season just over a week ago.
But with one match left in the 2019 MLS regular season, LAFC isn't finished.
On the minds of the players and coaching staff this week is being in the best form possible heading into the 2019 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. If that comes to fruition, everything else falls into place. That includes a possible new record for points in a season by a team, for goals scored in a season by an individual player, and goals scored in a season by a team.
With one match left to play in the regular season, all those things are in play for LAFC. But again, playing well as a team and finishing in the best form possible takes priority. All the rest will sort itself out.
Here's the preview of LAFC vs Colorado on Decision Day presented by AT&T:
LAFC vs Colorado Rapids | Oct. 6 at 1pm PST
Where To Watch
TV: YouTube TV, UníMas 46
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
The Colorado Rapids are still alive in the race for the playoffs. Over the last six matches, no team has been hotter than the Rapids. Robin Fraser's team has won five of its last six and two in a row. Colorado goalkeeper Tim Howard played in the final home match of his career last week and posted a 3-0 shutout against FC Dallas.
What The Team Is Saying
Jordan Harvey on the team's attitude towards breaking records: "We haven't talked much about it just because it hasn't been the next step. With each part of the season, we've had goals. The first being, get into the playoffs. Then be the top of the West and the Supporters' Shield. And now, we have the luxury of going after records. Personally, I want it just because I think this team deserves to be mentioned in the category as one of the best teams in MLS. How are we going to do that? By breaking records."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Eddie Segura, Walker Zimmerman, Steven Beitashour; Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Latif Blessing; Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela, Brian Rodríguez.
What To Watch For
Chasing The Points Record: The MLS record for points in a season could fall for the third time in three seasons. Win on Sunday and LAFC finishes 2019 with 72 points. LAFC already owns the record for points in an expansion season. To follow that up with the most points by any team, in any season would be an accomplishment that would likely never be topped.
Goal King: Carlos Vela is already tied atop the all-time single-season goal record with Josef Martinez at 31 goals. While he is just two goals ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the 2019 MLS Golden Boot. Heading into Sunday's match, a goal or two would help Vela on both fronts. He already has the mark for most combined goals and assists in a season and is the clear choice for the MLS MVP. But collecting both the Golden Boot and the all-time record would make his case as the runaway MVP foolproof.
Best Form To End The Year: Front of Bob Bradley's mind this weekend is finishing in a strong way. LAFC worked for a 3-1 win over Houston to lift the Supporters' Shield and a bit of weight was lifted. In the next match in Minnesota, the Black & Gold looked a bit smoother despite only managing a 1-1 draw. A win against Colorado in a fashion that displays LAFC's style of play and expression of football ideas would be the perfect tonic heading into the playoffs.
