Los Angeles, California (July 2, 2019) — After suffering just their second loss of the season, Los Angeles FC will look to rebound Wednesday night. Remaining on the road, they travel to the Midwest, taking on Sporting Kansas City. Both sides come into the match fresh off lackluster losses in their respective matches. However, for LAFC, regaining consistency will be the biggest key to three points.
Playing their football and remaining consistent, key for LAFC rebound
Both teams come into the match fresh off lackluster losses. Sporting KC, having lost 2-0 to Real Salt Lake and LAFC, falling 1-0 to the Rapids. For Los Angeles, it’s about returning to their form, more than it is changing anything. LAFC head coach, Bob Bradley, spoke ahead of the match, saying in part, “we believe in the way we work, we believe in our football.”
He isn’t wrong. The biggest factor in the lack of success for LAFC last match was the poor play in the middle of the field. Addressing that will go a long way in the start of another unbeaten run.
Patience with Pérez
The team, as a whole, was dreadful against Colorado. However, a lot of the backlash seemed to be aimed at 21-year-old midfielder, Joshua Pérez. Consider this: Eduard Atuesta has played over 1300 minutes this season, Pérez has played a little over 100 minutes. With four matches in nine days ahead, LAFC will need to feel confident resting some players. Pérez flashed a lot of potential last match, with many of his issues simply down to timing. Something that will improve the more time he has playing amongst the regular XI. Chances are Atuesta returns to the starting lineup tomorrow night. However, it would be nice to see Pérez get more opportunities to build on his potential.
“We didn’t do the things we do well on Friday. Cleaning up is going to be crucial for us." @Joshua_Perez26 ahead of our matchup against @SportingKC. pic.twitter.com/JfHJdb4cHZ
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 1, 2019
Kaye Returns to LAFC
With Haiti completing an incredible comeback — and upset against Canada in the Gold Cup — Mark-Anthony Kaye finds himself back with LAFC earlier than expected. Considering he has only played around 30 minutes over the last two matches, it is possible he gets the start against SKC. However, given Bradley’s history with being cautious, Kaye could be brought on as a sub as he is brought back into the fold. Whichever the case, his presence alone will give the team, and fans, a boost.
No need to panic
The feeling among the team is that Colorado was a blip, not a trend.
“We didn’t do the things we do well on Friday” Pérez said. That was the sentiment throughout the team. The trip to Colorado was a rare off-day, few would argue with that. However, with four matches in nine days ahead and only six points clear at the top, they can’t have many more off days, especially against teams at the bottom.
“I think we believe in the way we work, we believe in our football.”
Bob Bradley is ready to bounce back on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/jVEBllnu4Q
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 1, 2019
Prediction: LAFC 3, Sporting KC 0
The last time LAFC suffered a loss, it was another lackluster road performance, and another 1-0 defeat, at the hands of Vancouver. They went on to defeat the Seattle Sounders 4-1 in their next match, sparking an eight-match unbeaten run in the MLS. A motivated LAFC is a dangerous one. Three goals and three points for the visitors. 3-0.
