Los Angeles FC finally has a home.
After playing its first six matches on the road, the MLS expansion team will open Banc of California Stadium on Sunday against the Seattle Sounders.
"It's been a different feel for sure," LAFC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye said of training this week. "I think knowing we don't have to go on the road, maybe lose a day of training to travel, it's going to wonders for the guys leading up to the game. We're just happy to play in this big stadium. It's unbelievable."
The stadium, on the site of the former Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, cost $350 million and seats 22,000.
Before last week's trip to Montreal, LAFC players had a scrimmage at the new stadium after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Goalkeeper Tyler Miller noted how close the nets are at each end to the stands.
"When you have a section of seats that people literally aren't allowed to sit down, I can only imagine it's going to be pretty rowdy," Miller said. "Honestly, I feel bad for the opposing goalie because it's never easy when they are that on top of you. You're trying to communicate to defenders and they literally can't hear a single word that you're saying, even if they are 20 yards away."
Players said they expect the crowd to be loud, especially after LAFC supporters filled sections of StubHub Center for a match against the rival Galaxy.
"We haven't had a home game yet, but we had a lot of interaction with them. They've made their voices heard and it's been exciting," defender Steven Beitashour said. "We got a little glimpse of it against the Galaxy, the numbers we have and how loud and passionate they are. If that's a glimpse of what it's going to be like on Sunday, things are going to be looking good."
LAFC (4-2-0) opened its season with a 1-0 victory at Seattle.
The Sounders (1-3-1), who failed to score in their first three matches, are coming off their first win of the season, a 3-1 decision over Minnesota United.
"I look at it as like, 'Hey, let's go ruin their party,'" said Sounders forward Will Bruin, who has scored in each of the past two matches. "They're opening a new stadium, they want the result, they want a nice, easy game. We can go in and play spoiler.
"I mean, to be honest, the pressure is on them. It's the first game in their stadium, they don't want to open (with a loss)."
