:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58568655/854829714.jpg.0.jpg)
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the inaugural season of Los Angeles Football Club. New team, new coaches, new players … plenty of expectations.
If you are a new fan or just wondering about what matches to check out this year, let us help you with that. We decided to find five must-watch matches for LAFC this season … and they don’t include the LA/Carson Galaxy.
“Why?” you might ask. Simple, those are obvious. Derby matches are can’t miss. They are emotional for fans, players and coaches alike. But, we wanted to go outside of that a little.
1. March 4, 2018 - @Seattle Sounders
This will mark the debut of coach Bob Bradley and LAFC and what better way to do it than against an MLS staple like the Sounders. Seattle features USMNT forward Clint Dempsey and they just hired Preki as an assistant coach.
2. April 7, 2018 - @Atlanta United FC
It will be a big match-up for LAFC when they take on the 5 Stripes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The front offices of these two teams squared off for a bet on the Rams-Falcons NFL playoff game with Atlanta coming out on top … the start of a cross-country rivalry perhaps? Atlanta set the tone for expansion team success with a playoff run last year, so LAFC fans may take note.
3. April 29, 2018 – vs. Seattle Sounders
One not to miss, but not for the same reasons listed above. This will mark the home opener for LAFC at Banc of California Stadium. Of course, after six straight road games, Bob Bradley and the crew will likely be pretty excited to get to come home.
4. June 23, 2018 – vs. Columbus Crew SC
It might be the first, and only, time LAFC plays a team from Columbus, Ohio. Columbus’ owner Anthony Precourt has discussed the possibility of moving the team to Austin, Texas, but there have been no definite plans made as legal action could ensue.
5. Aug. 11, 2018 – vs. Sporting Kansas City
Benny Feilhaber will get his first crack at his old team as SKC comes to Banc of California Stadium for a Saturday night contest. The midfielder played from 2013-17 with SKC, helping them to the MLS Cup in 2013 and a pair of U.S. Open Cup titles in 2015 and 2017.
There are many other games that could have made the list. The June 2 reunion of Walker Zimmerman at FC Dallas and Feilhaber’s return to Kansas City on Oct. 28 just to name a few.
Of course, let’s not forget about those three games with that OTHER team in LA.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!