There is no better way to snap a slump and kickoff a proper run than the way LAFC last weekend. It the comfort of their own home, the team gave us vintage LA Football Club activities, putting five past Nashville SC, drawing a red card from the visitors, and sending fans home happy and filled with renewed hope. The team kept that flame of hope alive this week with the addition of even more talent, which we will get into in a bit, and now they take those good vibes back on the road to face off against Colorado Rapids.
Road trip to Colorado 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/lNiqfARVLF
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 30, 2024
The 5-0 win last time out was nothing short of Los Angeles exorcising some demons. Releasing that pent-up aggression, emphatically returning to the win column and snapping the slump before it seeped in too deep. Reigning Golden Boot winner, Denis Bouanga, did this on a personal level, not only opening his 2024 account, but scoring the brace in the team’s win. Now, the squad take the show back on the road as they look to capitalize on the momentum, and start off a proper run of good form, reestablishing themselves as a top team in the MLS.
Speaking on capitalizing on the momentum, the team has done that this week with another flurry of signings to bolster the already talented roster. French Defender Maxime Chanot and MLS veteran attacker Kei Kamara, both arrived in LA this week, joining the black & gold. With all the attention on the lack of attack in recent matches, not many had noticed Lloris having to do more and more to keep matches close. The arrival of Chanot should go a long way in helping that issue, with the Frenchman unafraid to get in there and make the necessary tackles. Kamara for his part, adds veteran presence and a wily nature to the attack. The 39-year-old will likely come off the bench more times than not, so for him it will be all about taking, and converting, his opportunities. The one signing everyone is patiently waiting for, Olivier Giroud, has yet to be announced, though a win today and that announcement coming in the coming week, would really enhance vibes after a slow start to the campaign.
Welcome to Los Angeles Kei Kamara 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/QDL5Dou2F1
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 30, 2024
How They Look
On the whole, LAFC haven’t looked too great this season. Its why so many are clamoring for the likes of Olivier Giroud. People are looking for anything to give them that feeling that they’ve found the final piece needed to finish the puzzle the way they did in 2022. Capturing that lightning in a bottle once more, which is ironic considering this is a team that should be creating the lightning, not trying to capture it. Just like they did last week. A team that didn’t just look like the better team on the day, but looked like the better team, period. Now, the question is, can that continue? Will it? Road trips have been tough for LAFC so far this season, so this will be a real interesting test for them in Colorado.
Colorado, aren’t doing any better. In their first five matches of the season, the Rapids have only won once, funnily enough it was a 2-1 win on the road, against Real Salt Lake. They too have struggled to score this year, only finding the back of the net five times so far. The positive for them is, they only don’t concede a lot. Outside of allowing four in the season opening loss, the Rapids have not allowed more than a goal in any of their matches. Given LAFC have found it difficult more times than not to get the ball over the line, it could play right into their hands, especially at home.
Expect this match to be a bit of a grind. Not necessarily boring, but will probably be a bit of a slower, chess match type of game. Unless of course LAFC have turned over a new leaf and end up with a several goal lead before halftime, then it could be really ugly for the home side. For Los Angeles, the biggest goal for them should be three points. Doesn’t have to be pretty, or a vintage performance, it just has to be enough to come out of Colorado three points richer and trending in the right direction.
How To Watch
The match is set to kickoff at 1:00pm PT from DSG Park in Commerce City, CO. The broadcast can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for the radio broadcast can find it on 710 ESPN LA, as well as the ESPN LA App for English and 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish.