After starting the season unbeaten in the first four matches, LAFC faces its toughest test to date with a trip to San Jose.
Yes, you read that right - toughest test. Because despite San Jose's points total and a winless streak of 11 dating back to last season, they present a unique challenge in MLS.
New head coach Matias Almeyda has his side focused on engaging in individual battles all over the pitch. The man-to-man style is something new to MLS this season and it's a demanding system of both the Quakes and their opponents. So while Almeyda's team has nothing to show for it thus far in the table this season, they make teams work to wear them down no matter the outcome.
Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC's visit to San Jose on Saturday:
On The Move
Almeyda's instructions to his players are pretty simple: go hard into every tackle and stay tight to your man.
With that in mind, LAFC needs to be focused on the ways they find space. There are no "soft spots" in San Jose's approach. The Quakes are going to get tight to their markers the instant LAFC possess the ball. To move up the field as a unit, the Black & Gold will need creative individual movements to buy space. Simply checking for the ball is likely to result in a duel, which San Jose is all too happy to oblige.
Make your runs sharp and quick against the Earthquakes and be prepared to keep moving to find space.
Move Together
In addition to being on the move against San Jose's man-marking style, LAFC needs to be connected in their movements.
The side needs to be almost of one mind at times. Moves need to be coordinated. As one space opens with a run, another player moves into that space. Keeping San Jose chasing means you can be one step ahead and hopefully finding areas to open opportunities. It can't be just one player darting to create time and space. Coordinated movements and collective ideas will allow LAFC to disrupt San Jose in order to find the right passes forward.
The Hits Are Coming
San Jose isn't shy about their physicality. In fact, they asked to embrace it by their coach.
In the preseason, the Earthquakes came to Banc of California Stadium and cranked up the physical play. LAFC seemed a little stunned through the first 45 minutes and San Jose took advantage.
There are going to be different types of matches that players have to recognize and get on board with as quickly as possible. You know San Jose isn't going to shy from any tackles. So you have to meet their level while still executing the football ideas that you work on in training. Better to be ready for it from the opening whistle than after the first crunching tackle.
