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August 10, 2018 |
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HARRISON, N.J. - Expansion side Los Angeles Football Club have put together a strong first season in Major League Soccer as they look to make their mark in a competitive western conference. Coach Bob Bradley's squad is 10-6-6 this season, and unbeaten at home with a 5-0-5 record at Banc of California Stadium.
LAFC have the talent to score at will and dominate matches with quality offensive oriented footballers. They also have the flexibility to play different attacking minded formations with full-backs Jordan Harvey and Steven Beitashour on the flanks.
The former Whitecaps FC left-back who spent 7 seasons with Vancouver is thriving with LAFC and playing a crucial role on the back-line.
"It's going well." Harvey said following LAFC's 2-1 loss to Red Bulls New York on Sunday. "The organization has done everything to set us up for success on and off the field. Going back to my hometown, and family, it's been seamless. It's been really nice."
A native of Mission Viejo, California, Harvey, has played an integral part of LAFC's matches down the stretch. He has played a full 90' minutes in four of the teams last six MLS matches. He also went the distance in LAFC's U.S. Open penalty shootout loss to Houston on Wednesday. Harvey has played in 18 MLS matches, and started in 12.
As an athlete, all you want to do is play as long as your body will let you, and continue to play at a top-level while not slowing down. At 34 years-old, father time shows no signs of getting in Harvey's way. He's focused, sharp, and not at all surprised by his work load.
"I certainly went into the season with that in mind." said, Harvey. "Over the course of the two years, I've been in the fold in terms of playing the majority of games. Going into this season the way I feel, and the way I continue to feel is good. I feel like I'm contributing to the team in a good way, and trying to pick up what Bob's given us."
Coach Bradley likes what he has seen from Harvey, and that's not just on the pitch. Coming into a new team, with new tactics, and different strategies can take time to adjust. It was 'Harvey All The Time' as he was quick to learn new approaches.
"Jordan's experienced, works hard." Bradley told Red Nation Online post-match. "I think he's also improved a lot this year. He's ideal in terms of how we play football. He's really done well to take new ideas, and I'm very pleased with what he's done to help our team."
When you have a team like LAFC that's a mix of MLS veteran players like Harvey, Beitashour, Benny Feilhaber, Walker Zimmerman, and Dejan Jakovic, and then you also have international stars in Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Marco Urena, and Laurent Ciman.
You could have a recipe for ego's, me first players, and locker room cliques. LAFC doesn't have that problem. They're together, team first, and a united organization from top to bottom.
"Bob (Bradley) and John Thorrington (Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager) have put together a great squad in that there are no egos." Harvey explained. "It's a real pleasure to come into work everyday, and have a culture where everybody works hard, everybody is held accountable, and the standard is there from top to bottom."
As with any MLS club, it's all about making the playoffs going on a long run, and hopefully hoisting the MLS Cup in December. LAFC have all the pieces in place to do just that. They can score, defend, and they have a coaching staff that's experienced.
Harvey has been blown away by the amenities and professionalism of LAFC.
"There was already a lot of key pieces signed before I decided to go there through free agency." Harvey said. "The writing was on the wall that they were going to compete from day one. In that they had a beautiful stadium, marquee signings, a training facility that's one of the top in the league. All those pieces along with the great coaching staff, and players that have come on board since then was a recipe for success."
Since Harvey is having success and finding a groove with LAFC, why wasn't he able to remain in Vancouver and re-sign with Whitecaps FC following the 2017 season?
"That's a long scenario." Harvey said, with a pause. "At the end of the day. I had a great time in Vancouver. I really enjoyed my time there with the people on and off the field. LAFC came in with an offer, and Vancouver never really did. It was just the writing on the wall, and it was a great scenario and situation with LAFC."
Whitecaps FC decided to go in another direction, and that didn't include Harvey and several other Caps players that left for new clubs. Harvey isn't bothered, he enjoyed his time in Vancouver. Sometimes we often forget that sports is a business.
"It was a long stint in Vancouver," Harvey said fondly. "We definitely built a family there and had a lot of close friends, and people we consider family off the field. Coming back to L.A. having played college there, and grown up there, family an hour away, my wife's family is there. Like I said, it was seamless, and huge for us off the field, which helps me on the field."
Now that Harvey is with LAFC, he still keeps tabs on his former club. He visited with a few Whitecaps FC players in Hoboken, New Jersey last weekend when Vancouver was in town to play New York City FC. If there is one player that he sees having a bright and long future, it's none other than teenage phenom, Alphonso Davies.
Did Harvey have any early inkling that Davies would eventually show his promise?
"Yes, absolutely." Harvey said, enthusiastically. "Alphonso Davies... I've said it when anyone asked. As good as his attributes are on the field. He's even a better kid off the field. With a head on his shoulders that he has, I knew that the sky was the limit. I wish him nothing but success."
It won't be flashback Friday, but LAFC and Whitecaps FC will meet on Sunday, October 21 in Los Angeles. Harvey, and Beitashour, will look to keep Davies and the Caps in check.
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