Storylines to Watch:
‘Superman’ has taken flight in the City of Angels
LAFC’s newest arrival, Christian Ramirez aka ‘Superman’, got off to a bright start scoring two goals against Real Salt Lake. His brace would prove to be the difference in a 2-0 win.
Despite only playing in two games since being traded from Minnesota United FC to Los Angeles FC on August 6, the 27-year-old has already lived up to the vow he made upon arrival in LA.
"I’m going to be a poacher," Ramirez promised. "I’m going to live inside the 18-yard box, and let guys like [Carlos] Vela and [Diego] Rossi and [Latif] Blessing do their thing and be an option for them when they get in that attacking third."
Competition between the posts?
Tyler Miller has been LAFC’s No. 1 all season, but was noticeably dropped for the Sporting KC game on August 11 in place of Luis López. Reportedly the benching was due to a ‘much needed rest,’ while others speculated it had something to do with LAFC’s prior four-game winless streak. For whatever reason it looks like it worked.
“Taking a little mental break this past weekend really helped me and my game,” Miller said.
Miller was given the nod against RSL and proved that he was deserving of the position. He made two huge saves and recorded his seventh shutout to silence the Western Conference foes.
Postgame, Miller was humble in recognizing that there is going to be competition for the top spot.
“We push each other,” said Miller. “At the end of the day only one goalkeeper can play. So, we’re out there supporting each other.”
Player to Watch: Adama Diomande
Adama Diomande has made a name for himself with LAFC since signing on May 2, 2018. The dangerous striker who is able to take on opponents with his pace and direct runs, has already set a spectacular scoring rate. He has found the net nine times and notched three assists, just 11 games into his first MLS season.
His signing helped carry LAFC through the World Cup break when Marco Ureña and Carlos Vela were away for international duty. During that time, the 28-year-old scored nine goals in his first seven games. In fact, only three times this year has the 5-foot-11 speedster been kept off the scoresheet with a goal or an assist.
Unfortunately for LAFC, the Oslo, Norway native was sidelined for last weekend’s home loss to Sporting KC with a left hamstring irritation, and was an unused substitute for the midweek win over Real Salt Lake. There’s a chance we’ll see Dio at some stage on Sunday, though Bob Bradley has attacking options with Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Marco Ureña and Christian Ramirez also at his disposal.
LAFC vs Colorado Rapids - Head-to-Head
Sunday marks the first-ever meeting between the Colorado Rapids and LAFC. LAFC is currently in third place in the Western Conference with a 11-7-6 overall record. The Rapids, meanwhile, are coming off a thrilling 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center that sees their season record sit at 6-12-6 overall.
