The MLS Cup eluded LAFC for yet another year on Tuesday night as they fell 3-1 to the Seattle Sounders. As we look back at their season, it is easy to draw comparisons with Premier League giants, Manchester City.
Back in May, Columbus Crew manager Caleb Porter referred to Los Angeles FC as the Manchester City of Major League Soccer. At that time, the club were starting off on their way to a Supporters’ Shield triumph and were the high-powered team, dishing out goals left and right and dismantling opponents with absolute ease.
It was justified, then, that they be compared to Manchester City, based on their high-flying playing style and dominance. Of course, the Premier League giants are the much superior side when it comes to talent, but this comparison is still a fair one. And it has proven to be right, in more ways than one.
For one, Manchester City have struggled in the Champions League despite their dominance domestically. They are at their best during the long Premier League season in which consistent dominance is required. But when it comes to big knockout matches in the Champions League, they falter.
LAFC have shown for the second consecutive season they share this same trait. All of the pieces are there for a potential run at a title, but they slip up by their own doing and are left without the biggest trophy as a result.
LAFC still have much work to do. However impressive their regular season was, 2019 will not be noted as the best-ever by an MLS club without the MLS Cup in their hands.
The same can be said for Manchester City, who have won everything it seems except the Champions League. They have put together dominant and impressive runs in England’s top flight but have never made it to a Champions League final during this tenure of dominance.
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For LAFC, the MLS Cup is their Champions League and they need to figure out a way to make it happen next season.
The best clubs find ways to win when it matters most. For however great LAFC were in the regular season, they crumbled on the biggest stage. This second-year club is still in its beginning phases and, as they look ahead towards next year, a new challenge will emerge in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Once again, LAFC will be presented with a tournament where they must perform in knockout round matches. As of right now, this is their kryptonite. When a team must be consistently brilliant over 30-plus games, they have the quality to relentlessly grind out victories with extended series of scintillating performances. But in one-off, knockout matches, — or even over two legs — they have struggled.
Is it a mental thing? Is it poor single-game tactics? Is this a growing stumbling block for the future? At this point, it is difficult to say. But LAFC, like Manchester City, have a knockout problem, and they will never be truly great without addressing it.