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Orlando City Vs LAFC: 3 things to watch for – Underdogs face favorites

By Daniel Garza

LAFC, Orlando City, Bradley Wright-Phillips (Photo by Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
LAFC, Orlando City, Bradley Wright-Phillips (Photo by Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Brian Rodriguez #17 of Los Angeles FC celebrates the third goal of his team during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 13: Brian Rodriguez #17 of Los Angeles FC celebrates the third goal of his team during a match between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo as part of MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 13, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Brian Rodriguez revealing his potential

This tournament could not be going any better for Brian Rodriguez. LAFC’s young talent has delivered for the club and has displayed exactly why he is a highly praised prospect. His two goals and three assists have helped give LAFC a boost in their offensive production.

Entering the competition, he had yet to score and questions were asked of his final-third production. After scoring two goals, the future appears to significantly brighter than perhaps feared. And Rodriguez will have another opportunity to display his impactful quality against Orlando on Friday night.

To date, he’s been one of the most productive players in MLS. Per FBREF, he ranks fifth in key passes, fifth in players dribbled past, and fourth in shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. He has the chance to tie tournament assist leader Alejandro Pozuelo, who had five assists in four matches, and could truly establish himself as an elite attacking player in the league.

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It may have not been a meteoric rise for Rodriguez, but he is coming to form when LAFC need him most. Can he now continue this form throughout the knockout stages?

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