And we're back.
LAFC return to Banc of California Stadium for the first time in 2019 on Thursday. It's only a preseason match, but what a preseason match it is.
Opposing LAFC is J-League powerhouse Vissel Kobe. If you haven't heard of the Japanese side before, maybe you'll know a few of its players, namely Andres Iniesta, David Villa, and Lukas Podolski. That's three World Cup winners on one team and they'll all be on the pitch against LAFC. Not bad for a friendly.
Let's not waste any more time and get right into the preview of this international friendly:
Where To Listen
LAFC vs. Vissel Kobe, January 31 at 7pm PT
The best way to follow the match is by joining us at Banc of California Stadium. However, if you can't make it, Dave Denholm of ESPLA 710 is on the call for this one. His match commentary will be the only way to follow the match live outside the stadium.
Radio: ESPN app
Opponent Form
Vissel Kobe is also in preseason as they tour the U.S. to tune up for the 2019 season. In their first match of the tour, Kobe played to a scoreless draw with the Columbus Crew down in Orange County. This match will be the second of preseason for both clubs.
What The Players Are Saying
Carlos Vela on facing Andres Iniesta, David Villa, and Lukas Podolski: "Always it's good to play against really good players. They've won World Cups and they're some of the best players in the world."
David Villa talks about playing at Banc of California Stadium: "It's a great city. It's an important city for MLS. One of the experiences in MLS. In my first year, the atmosphere in the stadium, the supporters, and how beautiful the stadium is, it was a great experience. I'm happy to have another experience there."
What To Watch For
Three World Cup Winners On One Pitch: In training, Bob Bradley said if you can't get excited to play against the likes of Iniesta, Villa, and Podolski, what can you get excited for? Hopefully, we'll see all three on the pitch together. The chance to see the Black & Gold go up against those three is well worth the price of admission. I'd recommend you just sit back and enjoy.
First Chance To See The Boys: The preseason match against Toronto FC was behind closed doors. We brought you some highlights - and takeaways - from the match but tonight marks the first time fans will get to see the team in the flesh. I expect Banc of California Stadium will be rocking and the North End will be in midseason form. Most players will go about 45 minutes in this match, but you'll get glimpses of the ideas the team has been working on throughout preseason camp. And if the Toronto match was any indication, we should see some goals.
