LAFC can cement status as best ever with MLS Cup win

Los Angeles FC is in dangerous territory. October will define if it’s remembered as the most ambitious project in the history of MLS or as another good team with an impeccable campaign. If LAFC doesn’t culminate 2019 with the MLS Cup, it’s going to be a statistic, a precedent, nothing more.

Los Angeles FC turned the city that hosted David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Landon Donovan into madness by adding the most talented Mexican player ever. LAFC created a strong bond with the Latino community, connecting the team more to the city and MLS. Nevertheless, the anecdote of a revolution in Los Angeles will be just a tale if LAFC is eliminated from the playoffs.

Two seasons were enough for LAFC to be the best team in the history of the MLS regular season. Twenty-one victories, nine draws, and four games lost left the leaders of the Western Conference with 72 points. Head coach Bob Bradley’s squad surpassed the 71 points record that NY Red Bulls achieved last season, a team that was cursed by not lifting the MLS Cup.

Los Angeles FC also equaled a record mark as a team, the most amount of goals scored in MLS. LAFC saw the back of the net 85 times during the regular season. No other team except for the 1998 LA Galaxy reached 85 goals — especially since 2011, which was the first MLS season with 34 total games.

From those 85 goals, Carlos Vela scored 34, breaking the 31-goal record that Josef Martinez implemented in the 2018 regular season. Los Angeles took 621 shots, of which 234 were on goal, way more than any other team.

There was no real competitor for the 2019 Supporters’ Shield. The difference between LAFC, leader of the West, and New York City FC, leader of the East, was eight points, enough to assure the trophy for at least two or three weeks before the regular season ended.

However, the playoffs are a different scenario for LAFC. The new format puts Los Angeles straight in the conference semifinal, which means a showdown with Minnesota United FC or the LA Galaxy next. Los Angeles lost one game and tied one against both, stealing eight points from LAFC. And in case LAFC advances through the next two rounds, Bradley’s team could face Atlanta United for the championship.

The playoffs are an opportunity for Los Angeles FC to culminate the best MLS season of all time. Most goals, most points, top scorer, MVP — now the team only needs the MLS Cup to validate everything or be remembered as just another squad that had a good season.

Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.

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