One match remains in the preseason. One week to go until the start of the 2019 MLS season. Which is to say, while three points aren't on the line between LAFC and Vancouver on Saturday, this is a match that should pique your attention.
The proximity to the first match of the season likely means a few things right off the top. The starting 11 on Saturday could very well be a preview of Bob Bradley's preferred group heading into the season opener. While from a players standpoint, the final preseason match is one last chance to impress and get on the same page with teammates before the matches matter.
In addition to these storylines, LAFC will unveil its new secondary kit and the match is open to LAFC full season members. So expect Banc of California Stadium to be rocking once again before the start of the season.
Here's a preview of the final match of the 2019 preseason between LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps:
LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps, February 23 at 5:30pm PT
This match is open to LAFC full season members. Claim your tickets prior to the match online.
Prior to the match, LAFC is hosting a community day and secondary kit reveal at the Northwest Plaza of Banc of California Stadium. HQ will be open and will have the new jersey for sale - so you can be the first to get your hands on it. There will be customizations available, as well as the adidas Maker Lab truck on site for stylized embroidery customizations.
As part of the event, the Club will be hosting street soccer matches, live mural art, and music as well.
Opponent Form
Vancouver drew 1-1 with the Tijuana Xolos reserves in midweek. The Whitecaps initially went down 1-0, but found a late equalizer via new arrival Victor Giro. Another new signing, Fredy Montero, is expected to join the team in Los Angeles prior to the match this weekend. No word yet on if he will be available against LAFC.
What To Watch For
Marc Dos Santos Returns To Banc Of California Stadium: After spending one season as an assistant on Bob Bradley's staff, Marc Dos Santos's name was bandied about for quite a few of the open coaching positions in MLS by season's end. The Montreal native eventually took the head coaching position at the Vancouver Whitecaps, and has since set about putting a squad together and changing the culture there. Saturday will be his first match back at Banc of California Stadium since taking the Whitecaps job. Dos Santos has said on numerous occasions that LAFC is special to him and a big part of his coaching journey.
Players Make One Last Case: On Saturday against Vancouver, members of the LAFC squad will get the chance to make one last case that they should be a part of the Club's season opener against Sporting KC on March 3. With that in mind, you'd expect this to be a friendly only by name. We'll likely get some kind of idea of Bob Bradley's preferred starting 11 and it's unlikely we'll see the type of wholesale changes midmatch that we saw earlier in the preseason.
