LAFC aims to grab MLS headlines back from Messi

While most of the soccer community's attention in the U.S. has focused on Messi, Miami and MLS's Eastern Conference, LAFC has been quietly tearing up West and setting itself up for a strong postseason run. As defending MLS champions, LAFC aims to prove it's the most powerful soccer team in America.

LAFC's season resumes Saturday at Charlotte FC, which has allowed a league-high 40 goals. LAFC should be confident of earning three points and continuing its charge toward a top seed in the playoffs.

Unlike Inter Miami, where Messi dominates on offense, LAFC has a team-first mentality that allows everyone to shine, not just the stars.

"It's super important for us," Hollingshead said after the Colorado win. "Big-time goals from a lot of people, not just relying on one guy. I think that's going to be huge for us moving forward—having a lot of different guys producing."

"We are a collective," noted LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo. "Everything we do is a collective effort."

LAFC is second in the West, four points behind surging St. Louis, and it's hungry to reclaim that top spot. Doing so would set it up for a deep playoff run and give it the best possible opportunity to extend its championship reign.

"If you look at it like we do, it's almost like 10 finals," Cherundolo said of his team's remaining regular-season fixtures. "We want to get as many points as possible out of the remaining 30."