LAFC vs Sporting Kansas City
Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30pm PT
Location: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake 3-0 on the road Saturday, May 13 behind goals from Mahala Opoku, Denis Bouanga and Matias Boguez – who scored his first career MLS goal to close out the scoring on a penalty kick. The Black & Gold now host Sporting Kansas City Wednesday, May 17 at BMO Stadium, where kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. PST.
MVP candidate Denis Bouanga continued his stellar season with a rocket of a goal in the first half to extend the Black & Gold’s lead – and also extend his lead in the race for the Golden Boot as MLS leading goal-scorer. Bouanga now has nine goals and two assists in 10 MLS games this season. In all competitions, Bouanga has compiled an astounding 21 goal contributions (15 goals + 6 assists) in 17 games.
With Bouanga’s help, LAFC extended their win streak to seven over RSL.
LAFC currently sit in second place with 21 points in the Western Conference Standings through 10 games played.
The Black & Gold will face off against SKC for the 10th time in the club’s history, and hold a 5-4-0 advantage in the series where they have won three-straight games dating back to 2021.
SKC comes in on a two-game win streak after a 10-match winless run (0-7-3) to start the season.
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SPORTING KANSAS CITY IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Peter Vermes, SKC is hopeful to have turned the corner after a slow start to 2023 that comes on the heels of the team missing the playoffs in 2022.
The Club currently sits in last place in all of MLS through 12 games played, but are coming off back-to-back wins against the Sounders and a convincing 3-0 victory over Minnesota United FC.
SKC is led by forward Dániel Sallói who has two goals and three assists on the year as well as captain Johnny Russell, who has contributed one goal and one assist in 2023.
The Club also has Designated Player and forward Alan Pulido back after missing all of 2022 with a knee injury.
SKC is expected to be without forward William Agada, who is dealing with a leg fracture.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can continue their nearly perfect form they display in front of their home crowd. The Black & Gold have won 13 out of their last 14 home games at the fortress they have created at BMO Stadium, and they will need Denis Bouanga to continue to stretch the opposing defense, which will put the LAFC forwards in good position to finish opportunities.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY CAN WIN IF
They can disrupt the LAFC game plan and capitalize on mistakes. SKC has outscored its opponents 5-1 in the last two MLS league matches and is primed to pull off a midweek upset. Kansas City will most likely come out in a 4-3-3 formation to look to catch LAFC off-guard early.
