View from the Blues, Volume 21: Antigua Barracuda Banana Split

Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues were in the middle of an important three-game home series with Antigua Barracuda FC.

The first two matches of this series took place at Norco College in Norco, California.

“To me, this road trip was the first time this season that the guys really played for each other – quite contrary to how it was the week before when I felt that we wasted our talent and didn’t work hard,” Naimo told labluesprosoccer.com's Gunnar Berndt.

“Something happened in the past week. The guys are much closer now and I think our recent acquisitions have been very good. We’re also finally recovering from a lot of injuries and it leads to everyone being less frustrated.”

“I thought the trip was a success,” midfielder Akeem Priestley said of their past road trip, which saw the team earn four out of a possible six points.

“Getting four points from back-to-back road games in that heat is a good result. Obviously three points on Saturday would have been ideal, but considering we got a red card early in the second half, we have every reason to be happy.

"We fought hard, and most of the players did very well individually. That’s something that should make us optimistic as we’re heading into the final stretch of the regular season and getting ready for the playoffs.”

The Jamaican international noted that the match fitness of the club was improving with every game.

“Most of our players are healthy now and everyone is really hungry, which makes training extremely competitive,” Priestley said.

“You don’t know who is going to be in the starting eleven anymore and we’re all trying to secure a spot. Bringing in new players has definitely played a big role in that. It makes it really difficult for the coaches to pick a team and it pushes each player to work harder. You can’t afford to take it easy even for a day, which is exactly the kind of situation you want.”

Naime emphasized the important of the race for the playoff spots in the USL PRO National Division.

“The goal is to finish first in our division," Naime added. "We still have games in hand on both Rochester and Harrisburg, so we’re not really looking at what either of them are doing.

"We’re just looking at our next opponent and the next game, and we’re going to do our best to keep the guys healthy by rotating them. We think we have an extremely deep roster right now, but at the same time we’ve had to play most of our players when it wasn’t as deep, so as a result everyone has plenty of experience in matches. All that can only help us.”

“Little by little, the team is coming together both on and off the field,” said midfielder Cesar Rivera.

“As a result, you can clearly see the quality on the field improving. The competition in training is pushing us to come out with a positive attitude all the time and has created a lot greater urgency, which has also helped me find success up top. It’s crucial that we keep that up.”

Midfielder Peter Byers would not be available for the Friday encounter.

“I’ll definitely be ready to play on Sunday,” Byers said. “I’m already motivated, knowing I’ll be playing a team from my home. Some of their players are among my best friends, but when it’s game time there are no friends. It’s all about getting three points, and then we can be friends again after the final whistle. I really want to do well and get my first Blues goal against my former team.”

Indeed, the lack of Byers's presence was crucial in their 2-1 defeat to the Barracudas. Chukwudi Chijindu scored for the Blues in the 21st minute of play.

Byers's presence on Sunday was key in Los Angeles returning the favor with the same scoreline. Priestley made it 1-0 for the Blues in the 34th minute before Byers scored the eventual winner in the 39th minute of play.

The victory assures the Blues a spot in the USL PRO playoffs later this year.

However, Los Angeles are not through yet with the Barracudas, as their next meeting is on Aug. 2 at the Stadium by the Sea, on the campus of Pacific Palisades High School in Los Angeles, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET.

Next weekend, the Blues hit the road for an important set of matches. On Friday, Aug. 5, LA take on the Wilmington Hammerheads at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.

Then, on Sunday, Aug. 7, the Blues have their last encounter with Antigua Barracuda before the playoffs at the Sticky Wicket Stadium in Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.