Oppo Research: 5 Things about LAFC

In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Trebor Tracy of Angels on Parade to learn more about LAFC, New York City FC's road opponent on Saturday night. Here is your NYCFC vs LAFC preview.

1. LAFC lost many players but are still strong

Hudson River Blue: LAFC brought in eight transfers this winter after losing guys like Eduard Atuesta, Mateusz Bogusz, Cristian Olivera, and Ilie Sánchez. After being upset in the Conference Semifinals last season, many pundits still back LAFC to finish high in the Western Conference and make a significant playoff run in 2025. Do you think this team can win their second MLS Cup this season?

Trebor Tracy: This is one of those rare clubs that can lose a handful of star-caliber players like Bogusz or Olivera and not have their team completely blown apart. They've gone for a mix of MLS veterans like Mark Delgado and Jeremy Ebobisse as well as young prospects like Odin Thiago Holm and Igor Jesus to help fill in the void, so talent is still on the roster. They probably aren't as potent as we've seen in years past in terms of blowing teams out, but they can absolutely put together a run and find themselves back in the MLS Cup Finals this season. 

2. Three home games in one week

HRB: By the time Saturday rolls around, LAFC will be playing their third home game in one week and their fourth game in 12 days. Do you think the team will feel the effects of that by Saturday night? Or does the fact that LAFC hasn’t traveled since Leg One of the Concacaf Champions Cup First Round against Colorado on February 18 benefit them?

TT: Playing four matches over the course of just 12 days across two competitions is never easy for any club but considering this is the run to open the season, with players fresh from offseason, makes this an especially difficult task for LAFC.

However, getting three home matches in a row after starting off the season on the road is as best-case scenario as it gets for a team that is so much better when at home throughout their history. Head Coach Steve Cherundolo is really good at being aware of the congestion and rotating the squad well while still keeping really good options on the bench. While the schedule is full, I wouldn't be too worried about tired legs this early in the season as much as I would be worried about timing, form, and chemistry with how many new faces there are. 

3. LAFC and NYCFC have only faced each other three times

HRB: LAFC haven’t faced NYCFC since 2021. Overall, the sides have only met three times, drawing twice and NYCFC winning once. Do you think the unfamiliarity of both teams could affect this game?

TT: The unfamiliarity is interesting. We saw the same with Columbus where until recently. The team hadn't played them often as they are in the Eastern Conference, but with recent competition finals matchups and the rare MLS regular season match, it's been intriguing watching that rivalry grow. One would imagine seeing the same for LA/New York would be a dream.

That said, this is a vastly different LAFC side from 2021, not just in terms of talent, but experience and mindset. It also goes without saying that the club also knows NYCFC are a club they have yet to beat in MLS action. While they might downplay it, and while it won't be the entire focus, it will be a bit of added motivation to get that win and make up for the last time out when NYCFC got the win in LA. 

4. The X-Factor: David Martínez, Nathan Ordaz

HRB: What’s the X-factor that could decide this game?

TT: For LAFC, the biggest x-factors are the two young stars that seem to be rising ever higher this season: Midfielder David Martinez and Forward Nathan Ordaz.

These are two young players that really broke out last season, and have only continued their form into the early stages of this season. Especially with a full schedule early on, Steve Cherundolo has leaned on the younger talent and some of the fringe players, giving them far more minutes. He has also shown more faith in Ordaz this season so we could see one or both of those players playing a key role in deciding the winner of this match.

5. Predicted score, Starting XI

HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?

TT: It's clear LAFC are prioritizing Champions Cup in these early stages and with this match just three days before their first leg in the Round of 16 against Columbus Crew, they will likely put out a Starting XI similar to what we saw against Minnesota United. 

As for the final score, again, we don't think this will be as potent an attack as we have seen in recent years, but it is still good enough to get wins and score multiple goals. Considering there will likely be some early tentativeness as teams get familiar with one another, we think this one ends 2-1 in favor of LAFC.