No matter what metric you use, Los Angeles FC are the best team in the MLS. LAFC have run roughshod over their opponents this season, and they are averaging the most goals in the league and allowing the least goals in the league.
- Date & Time
- May 16th, 2019 10:00pm
- Location
- Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- Media Coverage
- ESPN2
- Teams
No matter what metric you use, Los Angeles FC are the best team in the MLS. LAFC have run roughshod over their opponents this season, and they are averaging the most goals in the league and allowing the least goals in the league. Through a third of the campaign, they are on pace to be the best team in league history. Their +21 goal differential is already better than eight of the last 11 Supporter’s Shield winners, and FC Dallas will have their work cut out for them trying to beat LAFC on their home turf.
Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas
MLS Opening Odds:
FC Dallas aren’t a bad team. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 5-4-2 record, and they have shown they can win on the road with two road victories this season. However, they have hit a bit of a rough patch in recent weeks. Dallas haven’t earned a victory since beating MLS Cup winners Atlanta United 2-1 on April 20, and they have lost their last two. Losing 2-1 in the first Texas Derby to rivals Houston Dynamo stings, but falling 3-1 at home to the New York Red Bulls hurts even more.
LAFC have been a treat to watch this season. Their daring, attacking style is pleasing for most soccer fans, and they have carved up even the best defenses in the league. They are five points up on the next closest team in the Western Conference, and their 8-1-3 record is tops in the league. Most importantly, LAFC have proven they can get results on the road with 11 points in six road games. Last week, they routed the Crew 3-0 in Columbus, ripping apart one of the top defenses in the league. LAFC are 5-0-1 at home this season.
Injury Report
Forwards Dominique Badji and Santiago Mosquera are both going to miss this match with undisclosed injuries for FC Dallas. One of their top midfielders appears set to be out for one more game too, as Paxton Pomykal is still dealing with a strained hamstring. Forwards Francis Atuahene (pectoral muscle) and Cristian Colman (knee) and midfielder Carlos Gruezo (lower body strain) are considered questionable.
Defender Danilo Silva (hamstring) has been ruled out for LAFC. Midfielders Javier Perez (groin) and Alejandro Guido (quadriceps) will not take part in this one either.
FC Dallas Player to Watch
Homegrown talent Jesus Ferreira needs to get some more playing time for FC Dallas. The 18-year-old has provided a spark to an attack that has failed to create a lot of chances this year. He is the son of former star David Ferreira, but he is creating his own legacy despite splitting time up front. Ferreira has four goals and two assists in 640 minutes of action this season.
Los Angeles FC Player to Watch
Carlos Vela has been fantastic throughout the year, and Vela looks set to be named the MLS MVP at the end of the year. Vela currently leads the league in goals (12), and he is tied for the league lead in assists (6) as well. He has done a beautiful job orchestrating one of the best attacks we have ever seen, and he links up well with Adama Diomande, Lee Nguyen, and Diego Rossi.
Los Angeles FC vs FC Dallas Betting Prediction
I think LAFC will roll in this one. They have been fantastic at home this season, and they can take advantage of an FC Dallas back line that has had some issues. I’ll lay the goals with the hosts.
