Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake

BMO Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster Major League Soccer showdown between Eastern Conference joint-pacesetters Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake.

Reigning MLS Cup holders Columbus Crew gave Los Angeles a harsh awakening last weekend, thumping them 5-1 at this venue to end the Western Conference leaders’ formidable ten-game unbeaten MLS streak (W9, D1). That result maintained a high-scoring trend in LAFC’s recent matches, with five of their last seven featuring over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring. Given the history of this match-up, another goal-glutted contest could be on the cards, with five of the last seven MLS meetings between Los Angeles and RSL producing 3+ total goals. Manager Steve Cherundolo would appreciate a win over the aesthetics as his men bid to avenge a narrow 1-0 defeat in this corresponding fixture last year, which halted their four-game winning H2H run in California.

Like their hosts, Real Salt Lake cannot forget last weekend soon enough after Seattle Sounders thrashed them 3-0 on the road, condemning them to a second defeat in four matches (W2). Level on points with Los Angeles, the visitors grasp the importance of extending a two-game winning H2H streak in MLS, buoyed by a 3-0 victory in March’s reverse fixture. However, Salt Lake’s recent away form douses the optimism among the traveling faithful, with Pablo Mastroeni’s team picking up just one win on their last six MLS travels (D4, L1). The away goals have been at a premium for RSL of late. Mastroeni’s charges have drawn a blank in two of their last three away league games.