Matchday 2 of the MLS season comes to Banc of California Stadium on Sunday.
LAFC hosts another Eastern Conference foe this week. The Philadelphia Union come to Los Angeles coming off a 2-0 loss to FC Dallas to open the MLS season.
After a 1-0 victory last week against Inter Miami FC, LAFC looks to stay perfect to start the year at home.
Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC vs Philadelphia Union:
Focus On Today
The challenge for any team progressing in multiple competitions is to not look ahead.
LAFC hosts Cruz Azul in the first leg of a Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal this coming Thursday. That needs to be out of mind on Sunday for the Black & Gold.
Philadelphia had a strong showing last season. Following a loss to start 2020, they'll be eager to pick up points in this match. LAFC can't get caught looking past the Union and expect a good result.
Keeping It Clean
Since the 2-0 loss in León to start 2020, LAFC hasn't conceded a single goal in 180 minutes. Much of that has been predicated on the strong play of center backs Dejan Jaković and Eddie Segura. But not to be overlooked has been the team defense from front to back.
Keeping the opposition from creating big opportunities is the product of the LAFC's desire to win the ball back as a team. Players have to maintain that high work rate and be willing to react quickly to turnovers and get back quickly to help the center backs cut out dangerous moments.
Mind The Press
Leading up to this match, Bob Bradley has spoken about Philadelphia's press multiple times. He's stressed his team's need for focus building out the back.
LAFC has to find the right angles to avert the Union's first line of pressure. From there, they can put pressure on the Union by getting into open space and running at a retreating defense. And at times, it might just be best to go over the top when Philadelphia is pressed up with space behind its backline.
