By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 29, 2022) US Soccer Players - LAFC sits in 1st-place both in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings as the calendar approaches July. The summer months, then, would be a time for the club to continue working with its pieces in place and trying to maximize the potential it has within its roster. Instead, LAFC raised the ante quite a bit. That . . .
LAFC adds Bale to a talented roster, Turner at Arsenal
Monday's soccer news starts with another twist for the Western Conference and World Cup group B, with Wales captain Gareth Bale announcing he will join LAFC next month. Bale is the latest addition to a reworking of LA's roster even though the club is already the top team in Major League Soccer. Earlier this month, LAFC signed former Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini who also joins . . .
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup stadiums, Seattle hosts LAFC
Friday's soccer news starts with FIFA announcing the 16 stadiums that will host games during the 2026 World Cup. Toronto's BMO Field and Vancouver's BC Place for Canada, Guadalajara's Estadio Akron, Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, and Monterrey's Estadio BBVA Bancomer for Mexico, and Arlington's AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium (New . . .
LAFC focuses on defense and raises the level of difficulty in the West
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 15, 2022) US Soccer Players - Big-name players coming to Major League Soccer, particularly to Los Angeles, are not uncommon. Every season seems to add to a list that includes icons of the game. It's no surprise that these big names have normally been attacking players. Goals and goalscorers, after all, sell tickets and create a buzz. LAFC is trying to make a . . .
Another version of the LA rivalry
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 25, 2022) US Soccer Players - In the evolution of all things Los Angeles soccer, the LA Galaxy vs LAFC rivalry has progressed nicely. Four years in, and the teams have already put on show after show. Each time they play, there's the feeling that more than bragging rights are on the line. One or the other would like to make it clear that they are the soccer kings . . .
LAFC begins to build in the West
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Apr 27, 2022) US Soccer Players - While the matchdays have yet to hit double digits, there seems to be little debate over the best team in Major League Soccer. At 6-1-1, LAFC sits atop both the Western Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings. The record matches the fast start LAFC had in what became a dominant 2019 regular season. This team, though, is . . .
MLS tactics early in 2022
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Apr 11, 2022) US Soccer Players – MLS coaches have gotten more tactically savvy in recent years. With better players come better tactics, and MLS teams have experimented with a wide variety of formations. Whether it's playing with three in the back or relying increasingly on intricate passing, MLS coaches aren't afraid to push the tactical envelope this . . .
Three trends to watch early in the 2022 MLS season
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Mar 28, 2022) US Soccer Players – It's just a month into the MLS season, and narratives are already beginning to emerge. In a league known for not exactly being predictable week-to-week, the expectation is that it takes time for the season to come into focus. The initial weeks are normally about teams trying to make some obvious points, but plenty fade as the . . .
The top of the Western Conference after four weeks
Monday's soccer news starts with the top of the Western Conference with three teams undefeated. LAFC and Real Salt Lake both have 10 points with LAFC ahead on a tiebreaker. 3rd-place Minnesota is on eight points, trading a win for a loss. That none of them are on a dozen points might resonate more if it wasn't the same situation at the top of the Eastern Conference. MLS remains a week-by-week . . .
The LA teams, the Concacaf Champions League, and what dynasty means in MLS
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Mar 16, 2022) US Soccer Players - New York City FC survived its Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal series against Comunicaciones of Guatemala. Only CF Montreal lost their first-leg, with New England and Seattle both carrying three-goal leads into their deciding games. MLS should expect greater representation than just its defending champion in the final four. The . . .