All long-standing MLS fans will back me up on this one. With the release of the 2020 MLS schedule on Dec. 19, it feels like Christmas has come early.
No, but seriously.
We've grown accustomed to finding out where and when LAFC would play during the season after the New Year. Some schedules have even dropped dangerously close to the actual start of the season they're meant to outline. So, having a chance to spend the holidays persuing the 2020 schedule and possibly planning some #LAFCAwayDays is a welcomed change.
And to help with that, I've gone ahead and compiled the five matches I'm excited for in 2020. Here are the 5 Must-See LAFC Matches of 2020:
Inter Miami CF - Sunday, March 1 at 2:30 pm
Coming out hot right from the gate. LAFC takes on newcomers Inter Miami CF to start the 2020 season.
As of the schedule release, we still don't know who their coach will be. Or who will occupy the final two Designated Player slots they promised to fill. But they do have David Beckham (in the front office, not on the pitch) and it will be the return of Lee Nguyen to Banc of California Stadium.
But none of that compares to the magic of home openers at the Banc. Two seasons in a row, we've experienced game-winners in the dying moments of the match. Do you remember where you were when Laurent Ciman handcuffed Stefan Frei from 30 yards? Or when Adama Diomande nearly ripped the net off the goal in the North End against Sporting KC last year? Make sure you can say you were right where you were supposed to be, watching it live at Banc of California Stadium on March 1.
San Jose Earthquakes (Away) - May 9 at 7:00 pm
#LAFCAwayDays #LAFCAwayDays #LAFCAwaydays.
Last year, over a thousand Black & Gold clad Supporters took over Avaya Stadium. They watched as LAFC hung five goals on the home team in the Club's biggest rout of an opponent to date. And players still talk about seeing the stadium shake after each LAFC goal, as the home crowd went silent.
Supporting LAFC away from home is an experience every fan should have. It's a moment you'll never forget.
Galaxy - Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 pm
I'll keep this short and sweet.
It's the derby. And let's not forget what happened last time:
Minnesota United - Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 pm
Only one team defeated LAFC during the regular season at Banc of California Stadium in 2019. That team was Minnesota United.
This is a grudge match. Minnesota bested LAFC 2-0 in September of 2019. Sure, that was without Carlos Vela on the pitch. But there are no excuses this time. It's all about #DefendTheBanc.
Nashville SC - Saturday, June 27 Time TBD
Another newcomer makes it on the list.
LAFC will travel to Nashville a month later in what is sure to be a big #LAFCAwayDays trip. But it's always nice to welcome a fellow expansion team into the league. You know, show them the ropes and send them home empty-handed. FC Cincinnati knows what I'm talking about.
