Hello everyone and welcome to Early Doors Football! This week’s MLS slate served up some great fixtures, but there is only one place to start: LAFC vs LA Galaxy. I have covered both these teams previously, but this is simply too big of a match to look elsewhere. Let’s jump straight in.
Lineups
Both squads were fortunate enough to be able to play full strength 11s, bar the inclusion of Cerrillo at center back for the Galaxy. With Zavaleta and Neal out with injuries, one would assume Caceres would step back in. He was sent off against St Louis and had a cameo in the match prior to El Trafico, but was not reintroduced into the 11.
As far as I can tell, this was Cerrillo’s first match at center back, as he normally plays in a defensive midfield role. In fairness, it was a sound performance, especially considering the context of the match.
LA Galaxy Possession, LAFC out of Possession
Vanney allowed one of the full backs to step high when in settled possession, usually Aude, who used his advanced role to grab a goal. In this scenario, he is the player holding the width (circled), but he often was in the half space, where Paintsil is circled. Having Aude step higher pinned Olivera back, but also added to the threat of LAFC in transition (which I will touch on later).
Brugman has returned to the starting 11, which is very important for Galaxy in and out of possession. He is able to take some of the creative responsibility off of Puig, although most of the play still moves through him.
LAFC in Possession, LA Galaxy out of Possession
Similarly to the Galaxy, Cherundolo’s side lined up in a 4-3-3 with one of the full backs stepping high; typically Hollingshead. This was another match where LAFC was out possessed, but still outshot their opponents, thanks to their threat with counter attacks.
Galaxy were slightly culpable in this match, as their midfield often overcommitted and lacked balance. The instance above shows Brugman showing for the ball, but in doing so, leaves the center of the pitch open. This time, LAFC uses the wing in transition, but the point still stands as they broke through the middle on other occasions. It is clear there is a large gap between the midfield and backline, which LAFC exposed. LAFC remains one of the best counter attacking sides in the league, so they continue to lean into that aspect of their game.
LA Galaxy Set Piece Woes
LAFC’s first goal came from a 4th minute corner kick, with the Galaxy showing clear confusion on marking/zonal assignments. 5 of Galaxy’s 11 goals conceded have come from set pieces, so this is something that needs to be addressed immediately. There has been an increasing emphasis on set piece efficiency (from an attacking and defensive perspective), so teams will be on high alert that they may be able to exploit the LA Galaxy in this area.
Closing Thoughts
As I mentioned last week, it has been a rocky season for LAFC so far, but this win can put them back on track. A derby win is always the perfect way to gain momentum, so Cherundolo will look to handle the faltering Portland Timbers next weekend.
The first loss of Galaxy’s season comes in a matchup against their biggest rivals; not optimal, but not the end of the world. Going to BMO Stadium is always a tall task, even for the best of teams. No reason to panic, but not much time to take their foot off the gas either, with a trip to an inform Vancouver Whitecaps up next.
That will close us out for today. Thank you for reading, I appreciate the support. Feel free to reach out with any feedback or thoughts and have a great day.
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