Defending MLS champ LAFC finally to open season

Torrential rains and flooding caused postponement of Los Angeles FC's opening game last weekend, but the 2023 outlook for the defending MLS champion remains bright.

"We are in a good spot," head coach Steve Cherundolo told the media recently. "We got out of the preseason what we wanted to get out of it."

Cherundolo's LAFC will belatedly kick off its title defense Saturday at home against the Portland Timbers. While the Black and Gold are favored by many to challenge for another MLS title, questions remain about their depth -- especially given the congested fixture list that LAFC will face.

"I don't think we have the depth necessarily that we had last year," Cherundolo admitted, per the MLS website. "We chose to add key pieces that add versatility. We intentionally went younger and wanted to get a more robust profile of player, players that we think can play three games a week without issue."

Two of those players -- Germany's Timothy Tillman and Croatia's Stipe Biuk -- will make their LAFC debuts against Portland. The attackers will aim to support captain Carlos Vela in the final third, especially after the departures of Chico Arango, Latif Blessing and Gareth Bale.

While LAFC hopes to maintain last season's high standard, the Timbers aim for a full turnaround from last season's eighth-place finish.

New right back signing Juan David Mosquera looks to be a shrewd bargain for Portland for a reported $1.9 million transfer fee. He scored with confidence during his first game in Portland plaid. 

"We believe that [Mosquera] will give us depth and strength, while we also will provide him with the right environment to develop as a player and as a person," coach Giovanni Savarese said of the 20-year-old star, per the Timbers website. "His talent and skillset will make us a more competitive team."

This early season clash could have implications for the playoff race in the Western Conference. Philadelphia is favored to win the East, but the West remains wide open, with several teams capable of snatching the top spots. 

"The West, you never know," LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez said, laughing. "The West is just crazy."