Despite the fact that Gareth Bale left the club in an unsurprising manner, following his country Wales’ poor performance at the World Cup, the LAFC is still tipped by bookmakers to win the MLS Cup in 2023.
It is unsurprising that LAFC continues to have widespread support and is regarded as the best team in Major League Soccer.
As usual, there will be plenty of other teams hoping to lift the trophy this season, including Inter Miami CF, whose coach, former Manchester United star Phil Neville, hopes to sign Argentinian Lionel Messi in the near future.
Why the Los Angeles Football Club?
Los Angeles FC won 21 of their 34 regular-season games to claim the 2022 Supporters’ Shield. Following that, Steve Cherundolo’s team defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy and Austin FC in the playoffs before defeating the Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup Final.
Last season, Cristian Arango had 16 goals and four assists, while Carlos Vela had 12 goals and nine assists.
Last year, Bale, one of the most well-known players in MLS history, scored three goals in 13 games for LAFC. He also helped them win the Supporters’ Shield, making them the eighth MLS team to do so in a single season. Though the club will be without his help, they are still considered the team with the league’s most lethal attack.
Martinez to Miami?
On the other hand, Inter Miami is in talks to sign Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez, according to a Major League Soccer report. Though he had his limited time on the pitch, the former MLS MVP continues to produce good goal and assist numbers and this despite his injuries.
The arrival of Martinez may galvanise Miami to produce a better result than last season. Last year was a largely successful one for the club that saw the South Florida-based club reach their first full-season in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
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