LAFC vs Atlanta United
Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30pm PT
Location: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
After coming up short of its goal of a continental championship in a 3-1 aggregate goal defeat to Club Leon in a hard-fought Concacaf Champions League final, LAFC now shifts its focus back to MLS league play and faces Atlanta United FC on Wednesday, June 7 at BMO Stadium.
The clubs square off for only the fourth time in their history, where ATL United holds a 2-1 edge.
The Black & Gold are looking to turn things around after dropping two-straight matches at home for the first time in Club history, which includes a 2-0 loss with a heavily rotated roster against the Galaxy in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and a 1-0 loss to Club Leon in the second leg of the CCL final.
Atlanta United comes in unbeaten in its last four matches (1-0-3) but have won just two of its last 24 road matches across all competitions dating back to last April and have not won on the road to a Western Conference team since August 2019.
ATLANTA IN-DEPTH
Led by Mexican head coach Gonzalo Pineda, Atlanta United are battling to stay above the playoff line after missing the playoffs in 2022. The Club currently sit in sixth place of the Eastern Conference Standings with 24 points through 16 games played.
Argentinian midfielder and 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion Thiago Almada has not disappointed in 2023 as he has scored seven goals and added on eight assists.
Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis has also been a bright spot having scored nine goals in 12 matches played in 2023.
Homegrown defender Caleb Wiley will be questionable after returning from international duty playing in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They are able to regain focus with a short turnaround with just two days off in between matches. The Black & Gold have lost three-straight matches and need to lean on their veteran presence to right the ship that will continue to include rotated lineups with an upcoming heavy league schedule.
ATLANTA CAN WIN IF
They can take advantage of an LAFC team that has been dealing with injuries and a heavy schedule. Atlanta United will most likely come out in a 4-2-3-1 formation and will look to limit space and to try to catch LAFC off guard.
