NYCFC vs. LAFC: Three Questions

Los Angeles Football Club head out on the road for the first time in 2019 on Sunday, as they take their first-ever trip to Yankee Stadium to face New York City FC. The Cityzens have been one of the more exciting teams in recent years, but with Patrick Vieira departing during the 2018 season and David Villa gone, does the 2019 vintage hold the same promise? We asked our friend Christian Smith from SB Nation’s NYCFC site Hudson River Blue to answer some questions on his team. Thanks to Christian for taking the time!

Angels on Parade asks Hudson River Blue:

1. NYCFC have two points to kick off the season. How has the start been for the team from your perspective?

Honestly, not great. While the emergence of James Sands, as well as the quality of Alexandru Mitrita have both been huge positives, City’s desperate need for a goalscorer is apparent. Taty Castellanos and Maxi Moralez have both yielded practically zero returns at the center forward spot. And until an actual striker is brought on board, this team will feel incomplete.

2. Mitrita was NYCFC’s big signing in the offseason. He looks dangerous at times but also maybe a player who does too much by himself? What’s your initial take on him and what are the expectations for him this season?

Mitrita has shown flashes of brilliance, and I think it’s only a matter of time until he becomes the full package. He’s fearless, bold, and is an amazing facilitator on the wing. I think most are satisfied with how he’s done to this point. As far as is overall production is concerned, I can see him becoming an MVP candidate so long as he starts netting goals.

3. This might be too blunt, but it felt like the question coming into this season (aside from how to replace David Villa) was whether Dome Torrent is a good head coach. What’s your take at this point? Jumping in midseason last year had to be tough, so does it seem like there’s more cohesion to start this season?

I must admit that I’m not a fan of Dome. We’ve been seeing him since June, and we still don’t know his system. The team seems OK at times. But I’m not sure if they’re buying what Dome is selling. At least, that’s what the on-field product is telling me.