Los Angeles FC-Whitecaps FC Preview (Apr 12, 2018)
Last week, Los Angeles FC finally got a place to call home as its $30 million training complex opened at Cal State Los Angeles.
Later this month, the MLS expansion club will play its first home game at Banc of California Stadium.
But for now, LAFC remains road warriors.
LAFC (2-2-0) continues its travels Friday when it heads north of the border to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at B.C. Place.
Los Angeles won its first two games of the season, at Seattle and Real Salt Lake, before losing an L.A. derby to the Galaxy 4-3 and suffering a 5-0 loss at Atlanta.
"I think it was a hard game. We lost 5-0," said LAFC forward Carlos Vela, who was held without a goal or an assist for the first time this season. "We are building a team. I think we have to be together, it's time to be strong, to be a man, talk face to face and say what happened.
"We have to change this situation. We have to come back, like in the first two games, enjoy the game, play together. Because in the last minutes of the game, everybody tried to be selfish and do everything in the game. It's not like that. We have to be together all game, in hard situations too. And I hope we can change this situation and in the next game, do better."
LAFC forward Diego Rossi has three goals and a league-high four assists, with Vela adding three goals and two assists.
"In four games, I think we've seen enough good things to know we're going in an excellent direction," LAFC coach Bob Bradley told reporters this week. "Think we've seen enough things that still need work. Four games, all away, six points. Not totally satisfied by any means. But as a start, enough there that reinforces what we do every day."
The Whitecaps (3-2-1) are coming off a 2-1 loss at Salt Lake. Brek Shea scored for the Whitecaps, his second goal in as many games and his team-leading third of the season.
The Whitecaps, who are in second place behind Kansas City in the Western Conference, have played four of their first six games on the road.
"It's nice to be back in front of our own supporters. We know they'll get behind us and the big boys come to town Friday, we know that," Vancouver coach Carl Robinson said. "It will be a good test for us. We'll be ready. We look forward to it."
LAFC defender Joao Moutinho will miss the match because of suspension, while Vancouver defender Sean Franklin is out with a quad strain.
