One of the hardest things anyone can do is self-reflect on their faults, acknowledge their flaws, and begin the process of working to improve them. It’s the mark of a person who truly understands what it takes to not only find peace in the world, but more importantly within oneself. LAFC have had to do the sports team equivalent this past week. After another rough performance, and splitting the points at home, the team had to face their problems head-on, knowing they had to be fixed sooner, and not later.
Building every day 💪 pic.twitter.com/rRqgqVe2i9
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 15, 2024
Accountability
As we talked about earlier in the week, the theme for the team after the scoreless draw was accountability. Everyone talked about how important it was for the team as a whole to take responsibility for their poor showings, at least to their standards, the last two outings. Head Coach Steve Cherundolo wasn’t afraid to let Denis Bouanga know he needed to see more from the star striker who has yet to open up his account this season, while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris called for leaders amongst the team to step up and be the tide that raises the rest of the players, going into Minnesota. While it may have sounded like it, I don’t think people were being called out, so much as it was a public acknowledgement of needing to do more. Of needing to be better.
How They Look
For the second time this season LAFC will hit the road. Luckily for them, the forecast doesn’t show any signs of snow in Minnesota, though it should be a bit chilly. Los Angeles will need to find a way to heat up, both physically and metaphorically, against a Minnesota United side that has yet to lose this season. The biggest issue for LAFC has been starting off matches, so obviously, the best thing they can do, especially on the road, is get off to a fast, Not play reckless, but unafraid to get daring, take a bit more chances, and try to find that early goal. Not only would it put Minnesota on the backfoot, but it could be what’s needed for the team to open the floodgates and get to scoring in bunches as we know they are capable of. Most importantly, this team needs to continue building on their chemistry. It isn’t a shock that a team which experienced a lot of roster turnover, is now struggling to find rhythm in the early stages of the season. The objective now is making sure this doesn’t become a problem that lingers all year.
On the other side, Minnesota United look like a team ready to shake off their own stench for how last season finished for them as they aim for a better 24 campaign. It has gone well for them so far, having won two of their first three, with a draw, having scored in every match with a total of six on the season so far. Much like LAFC, this team doesn’t tend to control a match with possession, not touching 50% in a match yet this season. Unlike LAFC, Minnesota aren’t shy about shooting, racking up 22 shots in their opener, then following with 10 and nine shots in the next two outings, respectively. If this is to be a battle of ‘no, you, please I insist’ in terms of possession, then it will come down to which team takes thew chances.
How To WatchÂ
The match is set to kickoff at 5:30pm PT from Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. The broadcast can be seen, for free this time, 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.
How are you feeling going into this match? Leave a comment below!