here's rest of commentary from matches last week...
predict: LAFC 0 vs San Jose Earthquakes 0 / actuals: LAFC 4 vs San Jose Earthquakes 0
thought the Quakes had a bit more in the tank for this one, particularly w/ LAFC missing RW due to a 05/u15 ynt call-up. trend lines on both sides of the ball are going the wrong way for the Quakes with their D, after shutouts in three of their first four games, particularly taking a a dip in quality.
on the flip side, LAFC seems to show significant quality against non-SoCal teams. maybe something to do with the SoCal teams are familiar w/ LAFC and the shock and awe is not quite as "shocky" and "awe-y" any more.
also, most would say that a number of LAFc players were snubbed by the recent YNT call-up, with seven players being called up from FC Dallas - a team LAFC lost to at the GA cup 0-1 - while only one player was called up from LAFC, so maybe something to prove.
predict: Pateadores 1 vs FC Golden State 7 / actuals: Pateadores 4 vs FC Golden State 4
interesting result here. The Pats didn't have a great 2018-19 season but didn't change the roster that much and were getting similar results in 2019-20. on the flip side, FCG had a decent 2018-19, and added a couple of key players in 2019-20. The algo expected FCG to run away with the one.
What happened is that was a much more competitive match... per the game report, FCG scored in the first minute but Pats got one back in the 15th minute. FCG went ahead at the 26th minute for 2-1 lead going into halftime. The second half was different story with Pats getting three more by the 57th minute for a 4-2 lead. However, FCG got two late for the final 4-4 draw result.
net net, FCG is still on the edge of - but not quite - becoming a top tier team. The potential, as evidenced by their 1-1 tie w/ LAFC, in what most described as a competitive match, is there but there's still work to be done. Particularly, from the last two matches, ont eh defensive side.
predict: Real Salt Lake 2 vs Albion 0 / actuals: Real Salt Lake 4 vs Albion 0
RSL is another team where most of the players are new to each other this year, and had a tough/awkward start to the season. But, after bottoming out w/ a 0-1 loss to Vancouver, RSL seems to be coming around. RSL had a good GA cup and has benefitted from a softer schedule the last couple of matches, but, sometimes, that's just what the doctor ordered. Even with their mid - JB - called up to the 05/u15 ynt, RSL doesn't seem to be affected.
Albion... After seven games, their offense is trending decisively down. D is in better shape but the trend is still shaping up and could go either way. Might be a long season.
predict: San Diego Surf 1 vs LA Galaxy 1 /actuals: San Diego Surf 3 vs LA Galaxy 2
San Diego Surf. We see you.
As has been written a number of times, SD Surf lost most of their starting line-up this season. To call a duck a duck, catalyst for this exodus was likely Coach BD leaving in mid-season to go to LAFC.
However, there may be some light at the end fo the tunnel with this 3-2 result vs LAG. (am discounting the earlier 0-0 tie w/ LAFC due to SD Surf bunkering).
While LAG roster may be a little depleted (presumably injuries), they still have enough players to be imposing. Nevertheless, SD Surf pulled this one out in a back and forth chippy match. Will be interesting to see if SD Surf can keep it up.
LAG. Sigh, LAG. Three key players were out for this match, but even though the algo had this as a 1-1 tie, LAG has the players to do more. From u13 thru u15, results just haven't been what is typically expected. Plus, LAG also just posted a disappointing GA Cup performance. Transition (i.e. brand new leadership for the LAG academy this year) is always difficult but if this keeps up, it will be interesting to see if LAG can retain key players on their rosters.
The irony is that LAG swapped out 50% of their players - who posted a very respectable previous season - for 2018-19. Karma?
predict: TFA 6 vs LAUFA 2 / actuals: TFA 4 vs LAUFA 2
TFA is another team that took significant roster losses going into 2019-20, but who are also building back up this season (with some help from their 06s). The algo expected a bit more from TFA against LAUFA, but still a decent result that shows forward progress. TFA's D looks like it could be more consistently disciplined but the offense is - after two game dip vs LAG and Arsenal - showing a solid positive trend line.