As an expansion team, the Los Angeles Football Club spent much of its first Major League Soccer season in learning mode. The players had to learn how to play with each other, had to adapt to a new coach and a new style, and many had to learn a new league.
But class is over now and it’s time for the final exams, beginning with Thursday’s knockout-round playoff opener against Real Salt Lake at Banc of California Stadium.
“We’ve exceeded the expectations everyone had for us. Now here we are fighting for a title. And obviously it’s a do-or-die game.