A lot of you have waited four months for this.
Real Salt Lake is back in town this week. Of course, LAFC fans haven't forgotten what happened the last time these two teams met.
In the playoffs last season, RSL snuck out of Banc of California Stadium with a 3-2 win to knock LAFC out. Mike Petke's side had just three shots on goal but still managed to progress. And LAFC has been left ruminating what could have been in its inaugural season ever since.
It's not the make-or-break of the playoffs but the revenge factor is at an all-time high in this match. Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC vs. Real Salt Lake:
Harness The Emotion
No doubt this match is rife with emotion. Again, it's not going to rewrite the history of that playoff loss last season but it sure won't hurt.
But there's a risk to playing too driven by the desire for revenge. LAFC is at its best when they stick to the things they do best. Don't let the moment get to you. Feed off the emotion but don't let it consume you. At the end of the day, this match is simply three points in the grand scheme of things. If you lose your head, you won't just miss out on the chance to reap some payback, you'll also lose points that could be vital to the ultimate goal.
Feel Out The Match
RSL comes into this one with four players away on international duty and two starters suspended. The conventional wisdom is that they'll look to squeeze out a point but Mike Petke has surprised opponents in the past.
Go into this match with an eye on the type of game RSL want to play. Don't assume they are going to bunker and counter. It could be that they press early to see if they can find the first goal and force LAFC out of their comfort zone. Or they might look to stifle LAFC in areas they can exploit for transition opportunities. Either way, get a read for the match and be conscious of the dangers RSL can present.
LAFC should see plenty of the ball and with it, they can exert a certain level of control in the match. But that control comes from smart decisions and positional play. Make sure you're finding the right moments and recycling play when you're not together as a unit.
Be Sharp
No matter how RSL approaches this match, they'll be organized.
The best way to beat an organized side is through sharp and quick possession and passing. That means having a clean first touch and an idea before you even receive the ball. Be ready to play in tight spaces and connect with teammates to disrupt RSL's organization. If you move the ball moves in slow and predictable ways, you'll make it too easy on RSL. So, come into this match focused on the little details and with a clear idea of how to create advantages.
