The last five matches - six if you count the U.S. Open Cup semifinal - have been tough on LAFC. With just two points earned since July 15, it's time to get back to winning ways.
On Wednesday, Real Salt Lake visits Banc of California Stadium for the first time. The last time these two met, LAFC drubbed the Claret and Cobalt 5-1 in their home stadium - still the only away team to defeat RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium this season.
Just one point separates these two sides in the Western Conference table, here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC to get all three points against RSL:
Get The Midfield Up An Running From The Opening Whistle
It's no secret that LAFC lives and dies by its midfield. They are the glue of the formation, driving the ball forward and maintaining control of matches with their possession. When they struggle to get into to advanced positions, like they did early against Sporting KC, they force the backline to defend for long stretches. And when they connect passes, like they did in the second half against SKC, they link the whole team together and are a serious threat to opponents.
Against Real Salt Lake, the midfield needs to find their feet early. Assume control of the match by moving the opposition around the pitch and involving the LAFC front three. The combinations between the midfield and those attackers will create openings, and more importantly keep the ball in the opponent's third.
Balance From Eduard Atuesta
It's hard to underestimate what Eduard Atuesta brings to this team, but it's not always something you can pick out just from looking at the scoresheet.
The midfielder's movements and ability to counterbalance the attacking inclinations of Lee Nguyen and Benny Feilhaber keep LAFC ticking along from front to back. The Colombian is so efficient in the way he gets up and down the pitch and always seems to be in areas around the ball. The team has really missed him being at full strength after an injury knocked him out for a full month. If Atuesta is 100 percent healthy, he'll be the fulcrum of the team.
Finish Your Chances
Goals change games. Simple enough. LAFC know this probably better than any other side, as they rely on the ball so much. The result is a style that is entertaining to watch, but can be so devastating when it doesn't get the conclusion it desires.
LAFC have three starting caliber center forwards in Adama Diomande, Marco Ureña, and Christian Ramirez to go along with the likes of Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi in attack. Lee Nguyen, Benny Feilhaber, and André Horta can also put teams under pressure with their ability to shoot from outside the box. It's time to start using goals to force opponents out of their comfort zone, and give LAFC the further opportunities to exert control on the match.
