As the lights shined down on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium last Saturday, Laftc‘s biggest stars answered the call, leading them to a much-needed victory in San Jose. Now they head to Sandy for a matchup with West rival Real Salt Lake, aiming to carry that same spark into a battle where every point will prove critical for both sides.
“The only thing we can do at this point in the season is win games and keep climbing the table,” said head coach Steve Cherundolo. “That’s our main concern.”
Los Angeles (12W-8D-7L) sits only one point behind the Seattle Sounders for a top-four spot on the table, looking to lock down home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. Salt Lake (10W-4D-14L) currently holds the 10th position, trailing San Jose by one point for a coveted playoff slot.
Battling for the first time this year, the clubs will play back-to-back matches, with the second seeing LAFC return home to BMO Stadium for the first time in September.
“I think the initial opponent analysis becomes less after tomorrow,” said Cherundolo as he spoke about the dynamic that exists when playing a team twice in a row. “When you play teams back-to-back, sometimes it can be a little bit of a tactical game. We have to wait and see how tomorrow ends up for us.”
Denis Bouanga heads into the contest on the brink of history, currently even with Carlos Vela at 93 goals for the most in club history. His hat trick against the Earthquakes, combined with Son Heung-min’s early score, highlighted just how dangerous the Black and Gold can be when their attack finds its groove.
Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
The home side will look to challenge Bouanga and the rest of the squad’s momentum, with midfielder and MLS All-Star Diego Luna heading the attack. He tops the club in both goals and assists, including a score in Salt Lake’s previous match, a 2-1 victory over Sporting KC that snapped a three-game skid.
Despite their lack of consistency in the win column, RSL’s pesky defensive play ensures that they will not go down without a fight. Their 37 goals conceded this year are ninth in MLS, while LAFC’s 35 rank fifth.
Los Angeles’ 49 goals, however, rank 11th in the league so far this season, while Salt Lake’s 30 are the fourth-least. With the LAFC offense ever capable of explosive bursts, the clash will hinge on whether Salt Lake is able to absorb pressure and capitalize on counterattacks.
“Our last two games against San Diego and San Jose, you saw two good performances by LAFC,” said Cherundolo. “One where our finishing was clinical and our defending was also very solid, and the other was the opposite. The performances and the effectiveness in the opponent’s box and our own box will determine the points in Salt Lake City and at home.”
Forwards Nathan Ordaz and Jeremy Ebobisse will remain out for Wednesday’s match, but appear close to returning to action. Cherundolo described the pair as “day-to-day” and “extremely close to being able to help”.
Where: America First Field – Sandy, UT
When: Wednesday, September 17 | Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. PT
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN at App, and KFWB 980 AM to Mera Mera
On Tuesday, LAFC announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with defender Sergi Palenciakeeping him with the club through at least 2028. After signing with the club in 2023, the 29-year-old can now call Los Angeles his home for the foreseeable future.
“Sergi represents the competitiveness and commitment that we value at LAFC,” said Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. “His tenacity, consistency, and reliability on the field make him a key piece of our team, while his relentless drive and dedication to this club set the standard for his teammates.”
“It feels amazing, it’s exactly where I want to be and where my family wants to be too,” said Palencia. “The club gave me a huge opportunity back in the day, and now I will try my best to give this back.”
He has made over 100 appearances for the Black and Gold, including 76 MLS regular-season matches and 65 starts. Across over 5,000 minutes, he has registered 10 assists and one goal.