One win to win the West. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? Come MLS Decision Day 2018, that's exactly where LAFC will find itself.
Two points back of leaders Sporting KC, LAFC has the chance to leapfrog Peter Vermes' team to become the first expansion team in MLS history top a conference in its inaugural season. Couple that with LAFC's 2-0 loss to SKC at Banc of California Stadium back in August - the Black & Gold's only home loss this season - and conditions are ripe for an end of the season showdown with everything on the line.
Let's take a look at LAFC's Decision Day trip to face Sporting KC:
Where To Watch/Listen
LAFC at Sporting KC, October 28 at 1:30pm PT
TV: FS1, FOX Deportes
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
This is Sporting KC's second No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup in consecutive weeks. Last week, SKC went to FC Dallas and wrestled the Western Conference's top spot away from Big D with a 3-0 victory. Peter Vermes and co. are undefeated in their last four matches, and they know even a draw could see them secure the West.
What The Players Are Saying
Benny Feilhaber on SKC's attack this season: “I feel like this year they really spread around how they attack, a lot of goals coming from the wings. Not as many coming from up top as Dom [Dwyer] used to get, so there’s a little bit of a different approach and obviously, they’ve done really well. They’re in first place right now.”
Carlos Vela on playing in big games at the end of the season: "We have to win. It doesn't matter if it's the playoffs or regular season. I want to win all the games. I always go on the pitch with the same mentality. The important thing is to be ready, to be 100 percent physically and mentally to fight and give everything for the team."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Walker Zimmerman, Danilo Silva, Steven Beitashour; Benny Feilhaber, Lee Nguyen; Aaron Kovar, Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi; Adama Diomande
What To Watch For
Benny Returns To KC: Benny Feilhaber spent five seasons with Sporting KC before being traded to LAFC prior to the start of the season. In that time, the midfielder won MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup twice, and he admits he has fond memories of his time in KC. But come Sunday, Feilhaber has said all personal feelings go out the window. The top spot in the Western Conference is on the line and Feilhaber admits to still having a bitter taste in his mouth following 2-0 loss to SKC back in August.
More History?: In addition to possibly becoming the first expansion team in its inaugural season to top a conference in the regular season, LAFC is chasing the most goals by an expansion team in its first season. Atlanta United set the bar in 2017 with 70 goals. LAFC currently has 67 goals heading into the season's final match. If they equal or best Atlanta's total, there's a good chance they'll be taking home the conference as well.
Playing Out The Back: I broke down four tactical battles within this match that I'll have an eye on in the Match Within The Match, but I have one more to watch for. For years, Sporting KC was a high press team under Peter Vermes. This season, they've relied more on choosing their spots. Against LAFC in the first match between these teams, SKC snagged its first goal by pushing up on LAFC's backline and forcing a turnover with the Black & Gold unbalanced. LAFC isn't going to stop building out of the back anytime soon - especially if they continue to do it as they did on the second goal against Vancouver last week - but they'll need to be aware of where the pressure is coming from and if SKC is looking to squeeze the space. In those instances, it might be better to go over the top or look for a long diagonal to relieve some pressure.
