Let the second half of LAFC's season begin.
Bob Bradley's side has been inactive in MLS play for nearly four weeks. Luckily, the pack has gained little ground behind the MLS leaders.
The Black & Gold face a tough test in its return to the regular season with a trip to Colorado. The Rapids are unbeaten in their last six and the hottest side in MLS not named LAFC.
With a quick turnaround following the match and a congested couple of weeks awaiting them, LAFC will want to get its second half off to a good start. Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC's trip to face the Colorado Rapids:
Defend Set Pieces
New Rapids head coach Conor Casey has enjoyed quite the spell in his first stint at the helm of a professional side.
How have the Rapids turned things around, you ask? Set pieces.
With the likes of Kei Kamara and Diego Rubio lurking in the box, Colorado has made the most of its set-piece opportunities in its six-match unbeaten run. When you're struggling for wins, set pieces are always a nice way to get some momentum in your favor. LAFC will have to be cognizant of the Rapids' recent hot streak from dead balls. That means not committing fouls in dangerous areas and, more importantly, not opening yourself up to opportunities in which you have to make a last-second challenge.
Stick With What's Working
Carlos Vela has scored in each of his last five matches in MLS play - it's seven matches when you include Open Cup matches.
Vela's form has been nothing short of mercurial this season. The MVP frontrunner is averaging a goal a game and doesn't look to be slowing down.
LAFC will want to pick up where they left off. Get control of the match and find ways to get Vela onto the final pass and in dangerous areas. From there, he can do the rest.
The Life Of Pablo
Pablo Sisniega knew he'd get his chance. And he's been a big part of why LAFC hasn't missed a beat.
With Tyler Miller still away on international duty, Sisniega will be called on once again in net for LAFC. He's been nothing short of phenomenal in the biggest moments for LAFC in two Open Cup matches.
Friday will be his first MLS appearance, but nothing changes for the young goalkeeper. Sisniega will need to continue to communicate and organize his defense and expect him to be called into action at least one in a pivotal moment. If he continues to show the combination of composure and shot-stopping we say in his first two starts, LAFC will have a springboard to three points.
