Los Angeles FC and Club America are set to clash on Saturday in a high-stakes match where a place in the prestigious Club World Cup is on the line. This decisive one-game playoff was orchestrated by FIFA after Club Leon was disqualified from the tournament due to regulations concerning multi-club ownership. The victor of this tie will secure the final berth in Group D, joining powerhouse clubs like Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
LAFC earned their spot in this playoff as the runner-up of the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, having lost the final to the now-removed Club Leon. Club America was selected based on their standing as the highest-ranked team from CONCACAF in the current FIFA Club World Cup confederation rankings. Expect a charged atmosphere at BMO Stadium; a sold-out crowd will provide significant backing for the home side, LAFC, often referred to as the Black and Gold. The tournament already features two MLS representatives, Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders, alongside two Liga MX teams, Monterrey and CF Pachuca. Consequently, the outcome of this game will determine whether MLS or Liga MX boasts three clubs in the expanded competition.
Last Meeting
The two teams last faced each other in a preseason friendly back in February, a match LAFC won 2-1. LAFC`s key forward, Denis Bouanga, was on the scoresheet that day, highlighting his importance for this crucial upcoming fixture. Although a friendly, Club America did utilize their top players in that encounter. LAFC has a generally favorable record against Liga MX opponents in competitive matches, with five wins, five draws, and just one loss. Notably, LAFC defeated Club America 3-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup back in 2020.
Predicted Lineups
LAFC: Hugo Lloris, Ryan Hollingshead, Aaron Long, Eddie Segura, Sergi Palencia, Marco Delgado, Igor Jesus, Frankie AMaya, Denis Bouanga, Oliver Giroud, Nathan Ordaz
Club America: Luis Malagon, Cristian Borja, Sebastian Caceres, Ramon Juarez, Israel Reyes, Kevin ALvarez, Alvaro Fildalgo, Jonathan Dos Santos, Erick Sanchez, Henry Martin, Alex Zendejas
Player to Watch
Denis Bouanga, LAFC: Club America`s defensive strategy will undoubtedly focus on containing Denis Bouanga, LAFC`s leading scorer. This is easier said than done, as Bouanga has an impressive record of 48 regular season goals in only 84 appearances for the Black and Gold. He also tends to perform best in important games, evidenced by his eight goals in 12 playoff matches. Club America`s focus on marking Bouanga might inadvertently create space for other LAFC attackers. Playing at home in front of a passionate crowd will only add to Bouanga`s potential impact on the match.
Storyline to Watch
Impact of Steve Cherundolo`s Upcoming Departure: The recent news that LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo will leave his position at the end of the season has sent ripples through MLS. The team`s recent form hasn`t met expectations; a recent 2-2 draw against CF Montreal underscores their inconsistent play. While they have shown they can score, defensive solidity has been a challenge. Facing a dangerous Club America attack, spearheaded by Henry Martin, LAFC`s backline will need to be disciplined and prepared. Cherundolo has achieved success with LAFC, winning the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup, but this playoff is arguably the highest-stakes single game he will manage for the club, offering a final opportunity for a memorable send-off.
Prediction
Expect Denis Bouanga to be the difference-maker, leading LAFC to qualify for the Club World Cup. For Club America, who recently lost the Liga MX Clausura final, this season has been below their usual standard, and a victory here is unlikely to reverse that trend. This match provides Steve Cherundolo a chance to conclude his tenure with LAFC on a high note by securing a spot in the global tournament.
Pick: LAFC 2, Club America 1
