1.) Coming into the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, Philadelphia has had a bit of a storyline: the underdog, small-money club on a revenge tour from last year’s Eastern Conference Final loss to NYCFC. Is there a similar storyline for the home side?
In some ways, yes, in others, not so much. LAFC’s overriding narrative is going for a domestic double this year, trying to get to the pinnacle after having a talented team in the past but coming up short in the playoffs. In contrast to Philadelphia, LAFC has remade the roster so much and laid out enough money that to lose would be a disappointment.