Previews are for looking ahead. Not looking back.
I'm well aware of this, of course. I've written a preview for every LAFC match since the Club first kicked a ball (humble brag).
But when I think of an away trip to San Jose, I just can't help myself. Things just wouldn't be complete if we didn't remember the last time:
That comeback. That game-winner. Is there magic in this fixture? Maybe. The 700 or so LAFC fans headed up to San Jose for Saturday's match sure hope so.
So now that we've honored this fixture in the proper way by remembering what happened last time, let's take a look ahead to LAFC's second away trip of 2019 against the San Jose Earthquakes:
LAFC at San Jose Earthquakes, March 30 at 12:30pm PT
Where To Watch
TV: Univision & Streaming Live on Twitter
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
The Earthquakes rebuild is off to a bit of a slow start. Matias Almeyda is still putting his system into place and although San Jose has scored first in two if its three matches in 2019, they have zero points to show for it. The Quakes had a bye week this past matchday after losing 4-1 away to the New York Red Bulls.
What The Team Is Saying
Mark-Anthony Kaye on the changes in San Jose: "They're a completely different team, they might have the same players but they have a different sense of playing style. The game will be very different. I think it will be very physical. We got a little taste of it in preseason when they came here."
Bob Bradley on the system Matias Almeyda is trying to construct: "They're a hard team to play against. Matias Almeyda has come in with a system that he is trying to build. That takes a bit of time. But they have good players and I think everybody who has played against them so far this year knows it's a challenging game. They play probably more of a strict man-to-man system, they're very big on individual duels, so getting control of the game, getting a rhythm in the game, those things aren't easy."
Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Eddie Segura, Walker Zimmerman, Steven Beitashour; Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Latif Blessing; Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande, Carlos Vela.
What To Watch For
Late-Match Heroics: Obviously, last year's match in San Jose was one for the ages for LAFC and its fans. But through just four matches in 2019, LAFC is looking to top its late-match heroics. This season, the Black & Gold have secured three points twice in stoppage time. In fact, since 2018, no other MLS side has matched LAFC's four stoppage-time wins.
Individual Battles: The theme this week when referencing the Earthquakes style has been individual battles all over the pitch. San Jose adheres to almost a strict man-to-man marking style in all areas. LAFC players will need to be aware the pressure is always just a step away. Flat, slow runs won't get the job done against SJ. Players will need to constantly be scanning the area around them and willing to vary their runs to create avenues for themselves and teammates. And a clean first touch will be paramount. If LAFC players aren't focused and ready to receive the ball with a plan, the Quakes could feast going the other direction.
No Sure Things: LAFC won both contests against San Jose last season. And while the Earthquakes have yet to register a point in 2019, LAFC can't be complacent on Saturday. Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda will have his side ready physically and mentally to compete for every 50/50 ball and tackle. With a week off, the Quakes should be fired up for LAFC's arrival. Bob Bradley's team will have to keep their mentality high and draw on the lessons of a 3-0 preseason loss to the Earthquakes during preseason. If they aren't up to the level Almeyda's men promise, it will be a difficult trip for the Black & Gold.
