LAFC Return Home 

LAFC still continue to fight for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, this weekend they take on the San Jose Earthquakes. After previously tying 1-1 with the Galaxy on October 3rd, LAFC are returning home after the international break. While only losing two players to international duty, Brian Rodriguez, Diego Palacios,Jose Cifuentes, and Moon Hwan- Kim, the rest of the team continued to prepare for gameday. LAFC started really well against the Galaxy taking an early 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. With a goal scored by Mamadou Fall off a corner kick. However as we LAFC fans know these games rarely stay low scoring for long. The Galaxy were able to tie it 8 minutes later in the 19th minute courtesy of Samuel Grandsir. From there not much would happen for either team. A couple of blown chances by LAFC, which has been the story of the season, allowed the game to stay 1-1. After this weekend’s matchup LAFC will only have five more matches to try and achieve the final playoff spot.

Analyzing LAFC’s Season so Far

This season has been a rather unique experience for LAFC. From having the former MVP miss a lot of the season, to bringing in more youth to try and compete for a starting position. Carlos Vela has only played in 17 of the 28 games this season due to calf injury. Suffered the injury at the start of the season and once again reaggravated it on August 22nd. It is uncertain if Vela will resign with LAFC. Real Betis are interested in signing the forward and bringing him back to Europe. LAFC are prepared to offer him a two year 3.5 million dollar contract. On the bright side there has been an emergence of young talent that has stepped up for LAFC. Such as Christian Torres or Bryce Duke. Also international players like Mamadou Fall or Jose Cifuentes and Moon Hwan- Kim. All of them have had key contributions this season and if Vela chooses to not resign with LAFC, they will have options for the future.

What LAFC Needs for a Playoff Push 

LAFC has to take advantage against teams who are floating near the bottom of the table. Like San Jose who are one point behind LAFC with 33 while LAFC has 34 points. Then after that they face FC Dallas who are in 11th place. Then it’s a match against the team who has the final playoff spot, the Minnesota United. The two strongest teams LAFC would face coming down the stretch are the Seattle Sounders and the Colorado Rapids. Overall LAFC has a terrific opportunity to try and sneak into the playoffs and maybe try and make a run for the MLS Cup. LAFC needs to improve it’s finishing and putting the opportunities they are presented with away. Perhaps maybe a few of those opportunities that should’ve been put away could have had LAFC in a higher position in the table. With Vela out they need others to be clinical when it comes to scoring and putting away easy opportunities.