They probably didn't know it at the time, but the schedule makers have to be smiling ahead of MLS Decision Day 2018 presented by AT&T.
A top of the table clash headlines the final day of the season on Sunday in the Western Conference as LAFC travels to take on Sporting KC. Just two points separate the two sides, making the three points on offer vital to capturing the conference's top spot and a first-round bye to start the playoffs.
Here are the Toyota Keys to the Match for LAFC's Decision Day showdown with Sporting KC:
Keep It Simple
By virtue of their two-point lead in the table, Sporting KC has a little bit of wiggle room coming into this match. Peter Vermes' team knows even a draw would secure one of the top two spots in the conference and with it a first-round bye in the playoffs.
With that in mind, you might expect Sporting KC to be conservative from the start. But you must not know Vermes very well in that case.
Playing at home, Vermes will likely have his team pushing forward from the opening whistle. SKC isn't the pressing side it once was but the team has used it to good effect in moments this season. With the conference up for grabs, expect the home side to try to gain a foothold by hounding LAFC in possession. Bob Bradley's team will need to be focused on keeping the ball moving to neutralize the earlier pressure. Finding the next pass by getting the ball off your feet quickly and then moving into space will frustrate SKC's early running and force the impetus back in LAFC's favor.
Don't Allow Zusi Too Much Space
Graham Zusi has made a successful transition from central midfielder to right back this season. But just because he comprises part of SKC's backline now doesn't mean he's lost all the attributes that made him a stalwart of the midfield for so many years.
Coming inside from the fullback position, Zusi is afforded time and space because of his deeper starting point on the field. LAFC can't allow him the ability to measure his passes without pressure. Diego Rossi will be tasked with making things difficult for Zusi when he has the ball at his feet and then breaking quickly to keep the fullback honest. And as a unit, LAFC will need to not sink too deep into its defensive end to afford Zusi those extra yards of space to play in.
Keeping the team as high up the pitch as possible will be necessary to constrain those soft spaces just ahead of the attackers when LAFC is out of possession.
Take Your Chances
The first time these two teams met in August, the 2-0 scoreline to SKC didn't tell the entire store of the match. LAFC had chances despite SKC taking the lead early in the first half.
In a match of this magnitude, on the road, LAFC's sharpness in attack will play a part. If the ideas are right and the execution for the final pass is there, the Black & Gold has to finish its chances to put the match on its terms. Goals change matches, goals create momentum, and no team knows better than LAFC that a missed opportunity can turn matches the opposite direction.
Everything is there to play for. LAFC has to actively seize that chance.
