There is plenty of hype behind Los Angeles FC, as the team enters its inaugural season. Here’s a look at the roster, major storylines and predictions for the upcoming year.
Starting from scratch in the MLS is never easy. While Atlanta United had an incredible first year in the league, fellow expansion team, Minnesota United, went through the complete opposite.
This season, Los Angeles FC will be the only expansion team in the league. The team has made some major moves in the offseason in the hopes of shaking things up in the MLS.
With sponsorships from Youtube and the new Banc of California Stadium nearly ready to open, Los Angeles FC are in for an interesting year.
Roster Analysis
Los Angeles FC fans should not have much trouble finding a star to rally around with forward Carlos Vela playing up top. The Mexican international played six and a half seasons with Real Sociedad in La Liga, where he scored 66 goals in 219 league appearances. The forward should be a difference maker for Los Angeles FC if he can stay healthy.
Shoulder to Shoulder. pic.twitter.com/EF2sdQCgr2
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 24, 2018
Costa Rican forward Marco Ureña is another valuable veteran for the team. Although he struggled to score with the San Jose Earthquakes last season, Ureña has been on a scoring rampage for LAFC during the preseason. The team will likely rely on Vela and Ureña for a bulk of their goals.
A look at @MarcoUrenaCR's 16th minute goal. @latif_blessing with the assist.
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 10, 2018
1-0 pic.twitter.com/TljHUuUSU2
Then in the midfield, LAFC will have veteran Benny Feilhaber playing the traditional No. 10 position. Feilhaber was a key player in the center for Sporting Kansas City during his time with the club. Even at 33, Feilhaber should still be a reliable option in the midfield for LAFC.
Finally in the back, LAFC will have quite a few talented players to rely on defensively. Belgian defender Laurent Ciman has years of experience playing for Belgium and other clubs outside of the MLS. He is a physical player, who can pass well from out the back and defend well in the air.
Walker Zimmerman will also likely be an important piece for LAFC’s backline this season. The former FC Dallas defender is physical like Ciman and does a great job at marking opposing players on and off the ball.
https://twitter.com/thewalkerzim/status/967427736619794433
In goal, LAFC will be relying on former Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Tyler Miller to make some big saves. Miller only had three starts in two seasons for Seattle, but he has had a majority of the reps LAFC during the preseason. The young goalkeeper will have a lot of pressure on him to play well.
Predicted XI for Opening Weekend
Been working on a season preview for @LAFC tonight. Here's what I think their lineup might look like to start their season. pic.twitter.com/aSVtRSH7Yc
— Juan Herrera (@JuanHNews) February 27, 2018
2018 Predictions
With Vela, Rossi and Ureña up top, LAFC have a formidable attacking unit capable of scoring plenty of goals. The backline is also solid with a nice blend of experience and youth with talented defenders like Ciman, Zimmerman and Beitashour. However, LAFC’s biggest problem is that they don’t have much depth outside of their starting eleven.
The midfield needs a few more pieces and the team could also use a solid backup forward to come off the bench. As they are now, LAFC can make the playoffs, but they probably won’t have as great of a season at Atlanta United had in its first year. The club just doesn’t have enough depth to make a deep run.
Next: 2018 Season Preview: D.C. United
Bob Bradley is a capable coach with experience at both the club and international level, but LAFC are still a few pieces short of being able to compete head-to-head with the best teams in the conference. That being said, the club should still have an exciting first season in the MLS with plenty of success.