Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 10:04 am GMT
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and St. Louis City are set to face off in a pivotal match that can shape the landscape of the MLS Western Conference. The game is scheduled for Thursday at the BMO Stadium, and both teams are looking to build on recent successes.
Team News for LAFC
LAFC enters the match looking to maintain momentum after a dramatic victory over FC Cincinnati. After winning the US Open Cup just last week, the Black and Gold are eager to close in on the Los Angeles Galaxy, who currently lead the standings. Here’s a quick look at LAFC’s player status:
- OUT: Lorenzo Dellavalle (Knee), Jesús Murillo (Knee)
- SUSPENDED: Sergi Palencia (Yellow card accumulation)
- QUESTIONABLE: None
With no other players listed as questionable, LAFC will field a strong lineup, relying on key players like David Martinez and Denis Bouanga to secure a win.
Performance Insights
After a rough stretch where they were winless in five MLS games, LAFC finally found their stride again. Their hard-fought win against Cincinnati saw them take the lead with a goal from David Martinez, followed by a late winner from Denis Bouanga. This victory has positioned Los Angeles just six points behind the Galaxy, but they hold a game in hand, making this match crucial for their title hopes.
Previous Encounter with St. Louis City
Earlier in the MLS season, LAFC triumphed over St. Louis with a 2-0 win. This victory indicates their potential to claim another three points in Thursday’s match. Despite that earlier defeat, St. Louis is coming off a strong performance and will not be easy to defeat.
St. Louis City Under Pressure
St. Louis City arrives in Los Angeles aiming to extend their recent form. They’ve seen success lately with back-to-back league wins, the latest being a convincing 3-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City. Key players in the win included Cedric Teuchert, who opened the scoring, and goals from Rasmus Alm and Eduard Löwen, highlighting their offensive capabilities.
- OUT: Henry Kessler (Concussion), Joakim Nilsson (Torn Hamstring), Tomas Ostrak (Ankle), Celio Pompeu (Foot)
- QUESTIONABLE: Chris Durkin, Indiana Vassilev
Despite their recent wins, St. Louis remains far behind in playoff contention and sits 12th in the conference standings. They’ll be eager to continue their positive run as they look forward to next season.
Looking Ahead
With only a few matches remaining in the regular season, every point counts. LAFC aims to come away with a win to pressure the Galaxy further. Moreover, they have three upcoming matches against teams at the bottom of the standings, and a perfect record in these games could see them take the top spot in the West.
The match will be broadcast live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and radio coverage is available through ESPN LA App, 710 AM ESPN, and KFWB 980 AM La Mera Mera.
Conclusion
LAFC is getting ready to play against St. Louis City, and both teams have a lot to gain. LAFC wants to keep their winning streak going, while St. Louis is looking to build on their recent success. This game could really change things for the playoffs, so it’s an exciting match for soccer fans to see. Don’t miss out on this action-packed event!
