An LAFC Piece
LAFC are the western conference champs.
On November 5th, they become champions of Major League Soccer. While that may sound premature (and biased), Philidelphia are the inferior team. Unless of course, the black and gold arrive complacent and avoid defensive responsibilities.
It is this specific attention to defensive responsibilities that makes LAFC such a power house. Despite the overwhelming amount of talent secured by the scouting department, LAFC has become intentionally clear on what is required of their high and immediate press this season. The reaction to win balls in dangerous areas on the field, and the cohesive transition forward as soon as that ball is won has become pretty damn important in this team's identity, nonethless, success. In many ways, LAFC is not just that newer franchise that has outcompeted, although they have done that as well. LAFC is a larger symbol for what soccer in America could become. A committed idea towards intensity and patience at the same time, a function of high risk, high reward (depending upon who you ask).
I used to watch Galaxy games in Carson as a kid.
I bit my tongue as I watched balls fly through the air, and get dumped in behind defenders, usually with the best attempts to locate a star like Robbie Keane, or even, Zlatan. Seeing big names on the field is always a spectacle, until they lose interest in the game, and consequently, so do the soccer afficionados.
Last Thursday's semi-final between LAFC and Galaxy was a very different game. Both sides made direct efforts to expose each other's spacing with patiently created numerical advantages, with efforts to press agressively, and to attack with (some level) of composure. It was impressive. As I watched this showdown at the Banc, dodging both beer explosions and antagonizing fans, I realized very quickly that this was the real final. This game was one of the few games where I would witness a more exposed LAFC, and not because of their own doing.
Galaxy really took it to them.
Whether this is the philosophy of head coach Greg Vanney coming to life, or the energy of Riqui Puig, you cannot deny Galaxy's dominance progressing the ball up the field.
Chicharito was unmatched in comparison to the attacking possibilities of Vela, Arango, Opoku, and even Acosta, and yet Galaxy provided a real threat in the middle of the field, that space that Puig is so familar with.
As an American, I could only marvel at his ability. He really sets up shop , owns his space, and dares other players to challenge him on the ball. Equally importantly, he demands his teammates to keep the ball moving. He despises any stoppage of play, and is constantly searching for the moment to turn fluidity into momentum. Of course, he bitches. Galaxy is no La Masia, but this is nothing new.
We can see the same themes in Chielellini for LAFC. A more experienced player who is forced to over communicate to his teammates the real benefits patience on the ball. The only difference is Chiellini's experience alleviates any uneasy tensions in the back, while Puig's energy may come with tension.
It is a joy to watch these Europeans take the field and actually care, and at the end of the day, that semifinal in LA was everything a true soccer fan could ask for. There were twists, turns, protagonists, and surprises, and ultimately, the team that withdrew more fire power in attack won.
Unfortunately but not unexpectedly,
Austin was a shadow compared to LAFC for the Western Conference Final. Sure, Austin's commitment towards combining under a high press was another great sign, but ultimately, they presented no solutions against Cherundolo's squad. At the same time, Cherundolo made his expectations very clear about continued intensity throughout the game, hence the removal of Arango in the second half.
To try my best to put a bow tie on this,
I do not think Philidelphia stands a chance for the final. I could be wrong. As a matter of fact, I hope I am wrong. LAFC is too powerful. And while it is a fact that this season will end on the 5th of November, and players will be resold at a higher value to other clubs, goddamnit, I hope LAFC's identity doesn't change. It's great to watch, people are really starting to enjoy it, ticket prices are increasing, and I get in less fights when asking the bartender to throw on MLS games now.
