The tactical shift bringing Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min closer together through the middle has given LAFC a more dangerous attacking partnership. Both players can drift between the lines, combine quickly and threaten from central positions.
The update says LAFC scored twice against Real Salt Lake, with Bouanga and Son both contributing. Yet the same adjustment appears to have overloaded midfield and left the defence exposed. LAFC led twice in Utah but conceded an equaliser on both occasions.
The question is no longer whether Bouanga and Son can play together. It is whether the team can give them enough defensive structure to stay aggressive.
Igor Jesus is reportedly available to make his first appearance since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer. His return could provide greater protection in front of the back four and allow LAFC’s attacking players to take more risks.
The midfielder’s comeback will require patience, but his presence could be especially valuable while the team searches for control. Hollingshead’s wider assessment is fair: LAFC have reportedly lost only twice in their last 13 matches, but too many draws have stalled their progress.
The Red Bulls arrive after a scoreless draw with Seattle and remain a dangerous opponent in transition. Their young forward Julian Hall has reportedly been a key attacking outlet, giving LAFC another reason to avoid overcommitting numbers forward.
A home win would restore momentum before the next run of away fixtures. The immediate storyline is whether Igor Jesus can stabilise the midfield while Bouanga and Son turn attacking promise into three points.