MLS 2019: Philadelphia Union vs LAFC – tactical analysis

As the MLS regular season winds down, many teams are fighting tooth and nail for a playoff position. As Philadelphia Union and LAFC faced off last weekend, this wasnt the case. Both teams have had fantastic seasons, booking themselves a place in the postseason with plenty of games in hand.

While both teams have guaranteed postseason football, there is still lots to play for. Philadelphia are looking to climb back into first in the east, earning a goodbye to the conference semifinals, while LAFC still hasnt mathematically earned the Supporters Shield. Bob Bradleys team still have a shot at breaking the all-time points tally in an MLS regular season which was broken by New York Red Bulls last year. Find out what happened Saturdays battle of giants in this tactical analysis.

Lineups

Philadelphia Union made limited changes to their lineup after a convincing 3-1 win against Atlanta United at the end of August. You can find the analysis for this game here. With two weeks off, Jim Curtins men were ready to get back to business against the league leaders. With Marco Fabián dropped for missing a team meeting before the crucial match, Jamiro Monteiro pushed up into a more central position in the midfield, allowing Alhandro Bedoya to make a return to the team in the midfield. The team maintained their 4-2-3-1 formation for this game.

After tieing with Orlando City, Bob Bradley returned to his strongest starting lineup. Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Eduard Atuesta and Walker Zimmerman all returned to the lineup. Bob Bradley returned to his tried and trusted 4-3-3 after altering his team shape and tactics against Orlando to facilitate personnel changes.

LAFCs buildup play

LAFC remained calm in their buildup, despite being caught out by Philadelphia Unions press on a few occasions. While they looked dangerous progressing the ball forwards quickly on the transition, their ability to build out from the back remained a successful option.

During the buildup, LAFCs full-backs got forward to create width. The width forced Philadelphias defenders to make a decision: either venture out wide to prevent balls into LAFCs full-backs, or remain central to cover LAFCs potent attacking trio. Philadelphia opted for the later, allowing LAFCs full-backs space in wide areas.

During the first stage of LAFCs buildup, Eduard Atuesta dropped between t