LAFC vs Colorado Rapids
Wednesday, August 23 at 7:30 pm PT
Location: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles, California
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
After a three-day postponement due to inclement weather, LAFC squares off against Western Conference rival Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, August 23, at BMO Stadium.
The Black & Gold resume MLS League play following a 3-2 defeat in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals at the hands of Mexican side C.F Monterrey. The defending MLS Cup Champions are currently in second place in the Western Conference standings with 37 points (10W-6L-7D) through 23 matches played.
The Rapids and LAFC will meet for the second time this season after playing to a 0-0 draw on April 1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
RAPIDS IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Robin Fraser, the Rapids are hoping to go on a late-season run as they currently sit in last place in the Western Conference standings with 19 points through 23 matches played.
The Rapids are coming off a three-week break after being knocked out of Leagues Cup in the group stage, losing 4-1 to Mexican side Deportivo Toluca F.C. on July 31.
The Club is facing a tough challenge as it has never won a match (0-4-0) at BMO Stadium in its history, and has won just one match in its last 15 matches across all competitions dating back to mid-May.
THE BLACK & GOLD WILL WIN IF
Denis Bouanga’s scoring run continues into league play. LAFC had only one victory (1-3-2) in its six games leading up to Leagues Cup, but Bouanga’s six goals in three games during the tournament reminded MLS of what the Black & Gold forward is capable of.
RAPIDS CAN WIN IF
It can overcome its current slump and subdue LAFC’s raucous 3252 supporter section. Colorado has scored a league-low 16 goals in 23 MLS games and will need to find a way through an LAFC defense that has conceded just 25 goals (second-lowest in the league) and 86 shots (third-lowest) and is now rested and recovered.
