Los Angeles FC and Club America are set to face off on Saturday in a crucial playoff match, with a coveted spot in the Club World Cup at stake. Following Club Leon`s removal from the competition due to regulations regarding multi-club ownership, FIFA organized this single-game playoff. The winner will join Group D, which includes Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
LAFC was selected for this playoff as the runner-up to Leon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Club America earned their spot as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation rankings. The match at BMO Stadium is expected to be tense, given the high stakes. Playing in front of a sold-out crowd, LAFC, known as the Black and Gold, will benefit from strong home support. The tournament already features two MLS clubs, Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, alongside two Liga MX teams, Monterrey and CF Pachuca. This playoff will decide whether MLS or Liga MX secures a third representative.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BMO Stadium — Los Angeles, California
Previous Encounters
The two teams last met during preseason in February, with LAFC securing a 2-1 victory. Denis Bouanga, a key player for LAFC, scored in that match, highlighting his importance if they are to reach the Club World Cup. Despite being a friendly, Club America fielded their main squad. Historically, LAFC holds a strong record against Liga MX teams, with five wins, five draws, and just one loss. LAFC also 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, Olivier Giroud, Nathan Ordaz
Club America: Luis Malagon, Cristian Borja, Sebastian Caceres, Ramon Juarez, Israel Reyes, Kevin Alvarez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Jonathan Dos Santos, Erick Sanchez, Henry Martin, Alex Zendejas
Player to Watch
Denis Bouanga, LAFC: Club America`s primary objective will undoubtedly be to neutralize Denis Bouanga, recognizing that limiting his impact significantly boosts their winning chances. However, achieving this is a considerable challenge, as Bouanga has proven prolific, netting 48 regular season goals in just 84 appearances for the Black and Gold. He also excels under pressure, demonstrated by his eight goals in 12 playoff games. If America focuses heavily on marking him, it could open up space for other players in the LAFC attack. Coupled with the advantage of playing at home before their passionate supporters, LAFC`s momentum could further draw attention to Bouanga during the match.
Key Storyline
Impact of Steve Cherundolo`s Announced Departure: The news that LAFC`s head coach will leave at the season`s end sent ripples through MLS. This announcement comes as the Black and Gold recently showed vulnerability, drawing 2-2 against CF Montreal, and haven`t consistently met expectations, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference. While their scoring ability remains, achieving defensive stability has been an issue.
Against Henry Martin and a Club America offense known for challenging top Concacaf teams, LAFC must be well-prepared. Cherundolo has guided LAFC to MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup titles, but this playoff, despite not offering immediate silverware, represents one of the highest-stakes matches he will manage for the club.
Prediction
Denis Bouanga`s consistent impact is likely to be the deciding factor, propelling LAFC into the Club World Cup. Following their recent loss in the Liga MX Clausura final, Club America has had a somewhat disappointing season, and it seems unlikely they will salvage it with a CWC spot. This match offers Steve Cherundolo a chance to conclude his tenure in Los Angeles on a positive note.
Predicted Score: LAFC 2, Club America 1
