The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has been on a defensive rampage in their recent matches, securing four consecutive clean sheets and showcasing an impressive defensive prowess that has left opponents struggling to find the back of the net
In their latest fixtures, LAFC faced decent opponents, including Minnesota United (4th in the West), Atlanta United (12th in the East), St. Louis (11th in the West), and Vancouver Whitecaps (6th in the West). 12 points across these games later, LAFC's defensive line stood tall, conceding zero goals and frustrating their opponents with resolute defending.
Let's dissect the statistics that highlight LAFC's defensive superiority over their adversaries
Possession Dominance
LAFC consistently sets the game's tempo, dictating play with higher possession percentages in each match. During the wins at home vs. Minnesota and Vancouver, the team averaged possession 57% of the time, controlling the game's flow. Led by midfielder Eduard Atuesta, this allows the team to dictate the tempo and limits their opponents' opportunities to create scoring chances.
Expected Goals (xG) Differential
One of the most telling statistics of LAFC's defensive prowess is their low xG conceded compared to their opponents. Despite facing teams with offensive threats, LAFC consistently boasts a significantly lower xG conceded, indicating their ability to limit high-quality scoring opportunities.
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On the other hand, the team's ability to generate chances has flourished on the road, an issue at the beginning of the season: against St. Louis, the team managed to generate 1.75 xG, while in the game against Atlanta, the mark reached 0.89 in the 1–0 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Shots and Shot Suppression
LAFC's defensive organization is evident in the number of shots it allows compared to the shots it generates. The team allowed only 21 shots on target in the last four games. A mere mark while maintaining an aggressive attacking approach (about 14 shots per game). With that suffocating strategy, LAFC limits its opponents' buildup and countering opportunities, effectively shutting down its offensive threats.
Goalkeeper Performance
While not having to work too hard, LAFC's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been instrumental in the Black and Gold's defensive success, making crucial saves when called upon. Despite facing high xG scenarios in Atlanta and St. Louis, Hugo Lloris came up big in both games to retain the shutouts away. During the win in St. Louis, Lloris also saved a penalty from Klauss, preventing his team from falling behind on the road in the earlier portion of a match (a poison pill for this team). LAFC's shot-stopper came up big, preserving two clean sheets and frustrating opposing attackers on their turf.
Discipline and Defensive Structure
Maintaining defensive discipline is key to LAFC's success, and their low number of fouls and cards reflects their structured approach. The red card received from Atuesta in Atlanta was rather unusual for a team that seems to never be caught in the moment of the game. Even during a high-intensity match like the one vs. the Five Stripes, the team managed to only foul 8 times, 4 of those in the final third of the field where the danger of a goal is more evident. By staying organized and avoiding unnecessary challenges, LAFC minimizes the risk of conceding dangerous set-pieces and penalties that could lead to easy goals.
LAFC Dominating MLS: A Proven Recipe for Success on the Field
More than anything, LAFC's recent defensive success can be attributed to its solid defensive organization, effective goalkeeper performances, and disciplined approach. With four consecutive clean sheets, LAFC has sent a clear message to its opponents that breaking through its defense will be no easy task. It certainly makes the job of its attackers much easier. Not that they need any help generating scoring chances for the Black and Gold: Between Bouanga, Olivera, and Bogusz, LAFC entered tonight's game with the 6th most scored goals in the MLS, having taken the second most shots among all 29 teams.
