How LAFC plays despite a more and more physical approach to his opponents

SANDY, Utah – As soon as the match for the fourth round of Tuesday in the US Open Cup was announced between LAFC and Real Salt Lake, each team already knew the game plan and its goals.

The style of LAFC lends itself to the use of space and the fluidity of the game. More and more, the game book of their opponents has been to close this space and slow down the game, regardless of the number of mistakes that can take.

It was an approach used by RSL to annoy LAFC at the Knockout Cup last season, to date Salt Lake's only win in the all-time team series, as illustrated below:

By observing RSL, I found that their use of tactical fouling was effective. RSL committed more than twice as many faults as LAFC in largely non-hazardous areas. It may seem cynical, but it's a skill that Man City knows how to do. pic.twitter.com/YC3lg4VQMx

– Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) November 2, 2018

The Claret-and-Cobalt tried again with less effect Tuesday in a 3-0 defeat at Rio Tinto Stadium.

"We have a story with this team," said LAFC midfielder Lee Nguyen. "We knew that in the center of the park, there are two guys who want to close early and make the game difficult for us. We have to move the ball quickly and find that extra guy, then run them a little bit more. "

For Bob Bradley, LAFC coach, dealing with RSL 's approach and others only enters the field of play of their style.

"We know some teams will try to make us lose our pace," Bradley said. "And the responsibility always lies with us to handle that, not to let it get in the way, and to keep trying to control, connect, and play as we like to play."

As far as RSL is concerned, their approach represented a modification of the attacking game they are trying to play. This decision was facilitated by the international absence of the tandem Albert Rusnak and Jefferson Savarino.

"You are trying to make some changes and try to neutralize some of their forces, but they also have other strengths and then a little against that," said Real Salt Lake badistant coach , Freddy Juarez. "You take a risk."

However, LAFC had never seen anything before and their ability to deal with the aggression of other teams has a lot to do with the behavior of their attacking maestro, Carlos Vela.

"He smiles even when he's dirty," Bradley said. "It's not someone who lets that ruin anything. We are really lucky that he is our leader. "

Bradley tries to reformulate the tactics of the other teams to contain Vela and the rest of his attack as a sign of appreciation for their talents.

"There is not a single opponent who does not have a great respect for what he does," Bradley said of the teams' approach to Vela. "Each team has their own idea. We try to create a certain fluidity. We tried to have a game where the balloon moves and where the game moves. "