LAFC welcomed Eastern Conference squad, NYCFC, to the Banc of California Stadium for a disappointing 2-1 loss, after Jesus Medina scored a 90th minute set-piece tap in for the Blues from the Bronx. LAFC fail to seize the opportunity of being up one man, and go back to the drawing board as they prepare for a two-week break ahead of Nations League qualifications. It is definitely a form that MLS fans everywhere are not used to seeing from the Black and Gold, but is it time to worry?

Corey Baird bares the only goal for LAFC in their 2-1 loss against NYCFC, and seems to be the only player who’s form remains consistent. Has LAFC found their striker? Photo Credit: Edgar Garibay (@garibayphoto) — **Corey Baird bares the only goal for LAFC in their 2-1 loss against NYCFC, and seems to be the only player who’s form remains consistent. Has LAFC found their striker?** Photo Credit: Edgar Garibay (@garibayphoto)

Many fans believed after last week’s convincing win against the Colorado Rapids that LAFC was officially back, especially with Carlos Vela’s return and stellar performance that night at the Banc, even MLS analysts believed LAFC was back as they kept them in the Top 10 of the league’s Power Rankings. The truth is, it takes a chapter to change a narrative, not just one page, and to be frank, this chapter is filled with situations that all LAFC fans are not too familiar with, which are dropping points and underperforming. These results lead to reactions from fans that want serious changes, like wanting your club to fire the head coach or transfer a certain player. As drastic these changes can be to a team like LAFC, it probably isn’t a good idea to make any kind of decisions based on feelings or reactions to certain circumstances. Losing is not something the fans are used to seeing, and trust me, the players are not used to it either, but you cannot run from the situation at hand because it is not going the way you’d like it to. As a club, meaning supporters, players, front office personnel, etc;, they all have to adjust to the circumstances and flip the switch, together. Well, how do you do that exactly? Definitely easier said than done, but the first thing that needs to be addressed are the problems that need solving.

LAFC Head Coach, Bob Bradley, has been put under hot water by some fans due to the Black and Gold’s poor start to the regular season. Bradley remains one of the most winningest coaches in MLS. Photo Credit: Imad Bolotok (@lafc) — **LAFC Head Coach, Bob Bradley, has been put under hot water by some fans due to the Black and Gold’s poor start to the regular season. Bradley remains one of the most winningest coaches in MLS.** Photo Credit: Imad Bolotok (@lafc)

Should he Stay or Should he go?

Bob Bradley’s tenure has been nothing short of successful thus far, but the thought of LAFC sacking the former MLS Cup winner has been circulating for the past few months, again, by fans. Supporters are not happy with the things are currently, and were also not happy with how things ended last season. LAFC played very poorly against the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, losing 3-1 at Lumen Field and ending their MLS Cup hopes diminished. Luckily, a different and more prestigious opportunity was at stake. LAFC had the honor of representing the entirety of Major League Soccer at last year’s Concacaf Champions League and exceeded expectations, knocking out not just one, not two, but three Liga MX giants (Club Leon, Cruz Azul, Club America). Unfortunately, the cinderella run had fallen short in the hands of Frenchman Andre-Pierre Gignac and Tigres UANL, losing the Champions League final, 2-1.

CCL Most Memorable Moment

Despite the poor ending to the regular season, LAFC finished the year strong in one of the toughest competitions in North America, and knocked out three of the biggest clubs in the tournament, two who ended up being champions in their respective leagues (Leon in Apertura 2020 and Cruz Azul in Guard1anes 2021). Bob Bradley had the team up and running again, and fans were happy once more despite the heartbreaking result, but a different song has been playing at the same dance, as LAFC started their 2021 campaign with only eight points in seven games, falling as far as last place in the Western Conference for the first time in club history. Without a doubt, the worst start ever for the Black and Gold, raising concerns and eyebrows from fans who are wondering if Bob Bradley is the man to blame for LAFC’s poor form. Well, let’s look into the statistics, shall we?

Since their home opening win against the Seattle Sounders, LAFC’s All-Time Home Record is 32-15-5 in the regular season, accumulating 111 points and the Best home record in MLS since 2018. And people still want Bob Bradley out? Photo Credit: LAFC via Instagram (@lafc)

Since taking the helm over at Chicago Fire in 1998, Bob Bradley has been able to accumulate 167 wins, 111 wins, and 80 ties with four different clubs in Major League Soccer (Chicago Fire, NY/NJ Metrostars, Chivas USA, and LAFC) and has only had two seasons where he led his team under a .500 winning percentage (Chicago Fire in 2002 and Metrostars in 2004.) With 369 games under his belt as a head coach, Bradley has 1 MLS Cup, 2 US Open Cup (Chicago Fire Inaugural Season in 1998, USOC again in 2000), a Supporter’s Shield, and 3 Coach of the Year awards (1998, 2006, and 2019). As a professional football manager, these are Hall of Fame inducting accomplishments right here, in fact, Bradley was inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014. So, for LAFC to get a hall of famer of his caliber to lead the squad in their inaugural season, best believe it was a steal deal, but now, let’s take the time to look at the stats from the start of LAFC’s current downfall.

Since his decision to forgo the impromptu “MLS is Back” tournament, we have not been able to see the Record-breaking Carlos Vela we’re used to seeing. Surely, the king can light up the candle once more. Photo Credit: Edgar Garibay (@garibayphoto)

I think it’s safe to say LAFC’s inconsistent form began with the 5-4 penalty shootout loss against Orlando City in the Quarterfinals of the MLS is Back tournament. Since then, LAFC have compiled a record of 9 wins, 12 losses, and 5 draws, with a winning percentage of .346. Out of the possible 72 points that could have been acquired in the last 24 regular season matches (2020 and Present season), LAFC only managed to earn 32 points, while dropping 40 of them. Pretty scary.

But if history was to ever teach us anything, its pretty difficult for a coach to lead their squad when their best assets aren’t available, and Bob Bradley was dealing with a lot of issues. There was, what seemed at the time, an insoluble goalkeeper battle, numerous star players either injured or unfit for play, and a lack of leadership in the backline, which was until Jesus Murillo joined the club, but he also had to adjust to the team’s tactical way of play after joining toward’s the end of the season. It’s not an easy thing to manage for anyone, but if there is anyone that seemed suited enough for a trial like the one LAFC has been facing, it’s Bob Bradley. Now, if history was to teach us anything else, it’s the magic of resting and resetting. LAFC have been given two weeks off due to a pair of international and seasonal bye weeks. Do you remember the last time LAFC were given at least two weeks off in a calendar year? You guessed it. Before their memorable Champions League run.

Final Thoughts

I honestly don’t think Bob Bradley should be the scapegoat for LAFC’s inconsistency lately, if anything, it’s the whole team as a collective that needs to get it together, and we all know that when they figure it out together, they play beautifully together. I also believe there is no reason to be worried or concerned right now, if anything, just be aware of the inconsistency and don’t panic. Football is a psychological warfare and its getting the best of the Black and Gold right now, so there’s not really any issues we can point out right now. I say that everyone should allow them to take these two weeks off to their advantage and reset themselves, and maybe, if there are still problems after this break, and I’m not saying there will not be, but problems and solutions will begin to exploit themselves in the coming weeks of the regular season. Remember, History has a way of teaching us things, and another thing it’s taught us is that this is a second-half team. #BobBradleyIn. For Now.

18 year-old journalist, Jerry Reynoso, is the Founder and Owner of the Los Angeles Saga, and Co-host of the 110 Football Show. Growing up, he always had his face glued to the TV screen while watching ESPN, FOX Sports, and all other major sports networks. With his in-depth knowledge of many sports, Jerry has started writing about his favorite football team, LAFC. Today, he is attending Cal-State University Long Beach and majoring in Journalism, while covering the Black and Gold.

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