That LAFC revenge list keeps getting shorter.
First, it was Sporting KC, downed by an Adama Diomande strike in the 94th minute of LAFC's home opener. The Timbers were next, and a much more comfortable 4-1 victory followed. Next up, Real Salt Lake. They met the same fate as SKC, falling to another last-minute winner at Banc of California Stadium.
Thus far in 2019, LAFC is three for three when it comes to handing out Ls to teams that defeated the Black & Gold last season.
Next up on the list... the Chicago Fire on Saturday at the Banc.
Let's preview LAFC's match against the Fire presented by Toyota:
LAFC vs Chicago Fire, May 4 at 7:30pm PT
Where To Watch
TV: YouTube TV (coverage starts with Matchday at 6pm), KVMD
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
Chicago is in the midst of a mini skid. Losers of two straight, the Fire have been blanked by NYCFC and the Montreal Impact in successive matches. Veljko Paunović's team has been hot or cold this season. After starting the season winless in three matches, Chicago went on a run of four unbeaten before the current two-match losing streak.
What The Team Is Saying
Jordan Harvey on facing a talented Chicago Fire team: "They do have a lot of talent. Defensively, offensively, they have a guy that was the leading goalscorer a year or two ago, [CJ] Sapong is hot right now, and they've got a young US international that is playing very well. We've been watching from a distance... the beauty about LAFC is that we focus on ourselves and what we do day in and day out. This game is going to be no different."
Bob Bradley on the team's desire to avenge last season's defeat in Chicago: "A little bit. That was a game that we weren't happy with last year. We won't spend much time talking about it. Nonetheless, we know the days when we let things get away and then, I think, inside, without a lot of talk, everybody feels like that's a reason to be even sharper on the day."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Eddie Segura, Walker Zimmerman, Steven Beitashour; Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Latif Blessing; Diego Rossi, Christian Ramirez, Carlos Vela.
What To Watch For
Hungry For Goals: Every player that spoke about the draw last week in Seattle focused on missed chances to secure three points. While players focused on spurned opportunities, a consistent throughline from across the board was that it came down to execution not lack of ideas. With a return to Banc of California Stadium, expect LAFC focus in the final third to be cranked up a notch and improve on the team's league-leading 26 goals scored this season.
Perfect At Home: LAFC is one of two teams in MLS with perfect home records. Banc of California Stadium has been a fortress for LAFC this season with the Black & Gold enjoying a +10 goal differential in five matches at home this season. Saturday's match will be the Fire's first visit to the Banc. The only other side making its first appearance at Banc of California Stadium this season was FC Cincinnati back on April 13 - LAFC defeated them 2-0 that night.
Keeping It Clean: Chicago enters Saturday scoreless in its last two matches. LAFC is tied for the league-lead in goals against this season and has a league-best .80 goals against average. LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller has recorded three shutouts this season, only one of which has occurred at home.
