We're past the point to compare LAFC's "start" to the season being at a historic pace, because we're far on the other side of the midway point. There is a legitimate chance for the club to rewrite the regular-season record books.
LAFC have all but wrapped up the Supporters' Shield, 10 points ahead of second-place Philadelphia Union with two games in hand. They have the runaway MVP candidate, on pace for the very best individual season in MLS history. They have the favorites for Defender of the Year and Coach of the Year.
Until the playoffs, they're chasing ghosts. That's it. Last year's New York Red Bulls side set the league record for points in a season with 71. LAFC are on pace to beat that.
To do so, though, they have a few more tricky games to navigate. These are their three most difficult remaining matches:
LAFC vs. New York Red Bulls
Sunday | 10 pm ET | FS1, TSN
Who better to slow LAFC down than the record holders they're chasing?
The Red Bulls are always a difficult opponent to play, home or away, with their combative press and overall quality. Last season, RBNY pressed LAFC off the field at Red Bull Arena, beating Bob Bradley's side 2-1.
New York have been inconsistent of late, but they've produced their best in big moments. They took points off Atlanta United on the road. They beat Toronto at home. They beat Atlanta at home despite playing much of the game down to 10-men. They beat NYCFC. They'll be well up for this one.
LAFC vs. LA Galaxy
Sunday, Aug. 25 | 10:30 pm ET | FS1, TSN
This is obvious. How much explanation is actually necessary?
LAFC, as you may have heard, have yet to beat their in-town rivals in four tries. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as you may have heard, is good at soccer. He also shines brightest on the biggest stage.
The Galaxy have given LAFC fits despite the league leaders having a better squad. Now, the Galaxy have added Argentine World Cup star Cristian Pavon while LAFC signed Brian Rodriguez for big money, too. Talk about star power.
This promises to be one of the fixtures of the season.
LAFC at Minnesota United
Sunday, Sept. 29 | 7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada
The law of averages suggests that Minnesota United won't still be on their current 11-game unbeaten run by the end of September, but they've proved going to Allianz Field is no small task.
Projecting too far forward would be an exercise in futility, but, behind LAFC, it's going to be a street fight for playoff places. Minnesota are currently tied for second place and just five points ahead of seventh. Methinks every point will be crucial at the end of September for Minnesota.
LAFC? Not so much. As discussed above, they're chasing ghosts right now. If Bradley starts building up more rest for his stars, they could start to slip. If the home fans are blasting Wonderwall after that match, who knows where that'll leave LAFC's chase for history.
