The Portland Timbers are in town for the first of two matches with LAFC in a four-day span. With LAFC sitting just five points above the Timbers in the Western Conference, and having played two more matches, Sunday's contest has real ramifications in the race for the conference's top spot and the Supporters Shield.
LAFC will be looking to maintain its unbeaten record at Banc of California Stadium, while the Timbers are currently riding high on a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC:
Patience Is A Virtue
Following the 2-1 loss in Portland, Bob Bradley commented about how hard Portland make life with their four defenders and three central midfielders behind the ball at all times. The Timbers are happy to get at opponents using just three attackers.
For a passing-oriented side like LAFC, that can be a nightmare. But Bradley's side can't get frustrated. The Black & Gold need to keep a hold of the ball, while recognizing when attacks are on or off. When they are off, they need to be willing to be patient and switch the point of attack. And when it's on, it's all hands on deck. But don't let Portland frustrate you into forcing the issue in bad spots. Because that's exactly when they feel the most comfortable and they can make teams pay.
Maintain Your Spacing In Attack
This seems pretty obvious. All good teams want to create spaces to for players to come in and out of to put opponents under pressure. But my focus is more defensive, despite this being in relation to having the ball.
A side like Portland invites pressure. They almost dare you to push forward in waves after lulling you in with their compact numbers behind the ball. To counteract that, the traditional logic is to get more players into attacking areas to outnumber them. And that can work, but again, it's what Portland want because they are so confident they can turn you over and make the most of their counter. So LAFC will need to be cognizant even with the ball on their feet of the balance in the side. Because if you lose it in a bad area, and you're imbalanced, the Timbers are going to take advantage.
Don't Get Ahead Of Yourself
As noted above, LAFC have an unusual doubleheader of sorts with Portland, starting with the match on Sunday. After taking on the Timbers in MLS play, the two sides will meet once again at Banc of California Stadium in the U.S. Open Cup.
With one match having three important Western Conference points on the line and other a spot in the semifinals of a major trophy, both matches are crucial. But, of course, you can only play one match at a time. The mentality headed into Sunday will be a big key. You want to win both matches, no doubt, but you need to focus just on the 90 minutes ahead on Sunday.
