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LAFC Vs. Portland Timbers: 3 things to watch for – First place on the line

By Daniel Garza

LAFC, Bradley Wright-Phillips (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAFC, Bradley Wright-Phillips (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 8: Diego Rossi #9 of Los Angeles FC controls the ball during the MLS match against Philadelphia Union at the Banc of California Stadium on March 8, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 8: Diego Rossi #9 of Los Angeles FC controls the ball during the MLS match against Philadelphia Union at the Banc of California Stadium on March 8, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

1. How do you stop Rossi and Wright-Phillips?

One of the big stars of the tournament thus far has LAFC’s, Diego Rossi. His four-goal performance against the LA Galaxy was monumental and propelled him to the lead in the Golden Boot race. In total, he has scored five goals in the competition and has six in the regular season.

Rossi is quickly becoming one of the best players in MLS. He has always been regarded as a talented player on the pitch, but this season, he has stepped out of Carlos Vela’s shadow and emerged as a true force to be reckoned with. That Vela’s absence for LAFC has not been as devastating as it initially appeared is a testament to Rossi’s improvement and production. He has catapulted LAFC back into the discussion as favorites to win the tournament.

He is not the only natural goalscorer for LAFC, though. Bradley Wright-Phillips has also been in great form. The former New York Red Bulls player appears to be back to his goal-scoring ways after a disappointing 2019 season. He scored in both of LAFC’s fixtures in this tournament and has fit well into their system.

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With ample creativity in midfield and plenty of possession for the team, the goal-poaching Wright-Phillips has come alive. In tandem with Rossi, it provides LAFC with the best goalscoring duo in all of MLS.

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