A spot in the U.S. Open quarterfinals clinched in midweek, LAFC return to MLS play on Saturday against the Columbus Crew.
Currently sitting third in the Western Conference on 24 points, LAFC puts its undefeated home record on the line once again. The return of captain Laurent Ciman from Belgium's World Cup camp will buoy the squad. But the Crew present a difficult task with one of the stingiest defenses in the Eastern Conference.
Here's a look at Saturday's match at Banc of California Stadium:
Where To Watch/Listen:
LAFC vs Columbus Crew, June 23 at 7:30pm PT
TV: YouTube TV (prematch show starting at 7pm PT), UniMás 46
Radio: ESPNLA 710, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
The Crew come to LA having lost 2-0 to Atlanta at home prior to the World Cup break. But before the loss, Columbus enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten streak. They are third in the Eastern Conference with 27 points.
What The Players Are Saying
Walker Zimmerman on what makes Columbus dangerous: "They have a great coach in Gregg Berhalter, who understands exactly how he wants his team to play. That's one of the first things you see with a lot of successful MLS teams is they have an identity. Columbus are a team that likes to move the ball, work a lot through Will Trapp coming deep as their defensive mid. He sets things up and pulls the strings a little bit. Higuaín is in there, who can always create dangerous chances. Gyasi Zardes has had an incredible start to his first season in Columbus."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Walker Zimmerman, Laurent Ciman, Steven Beitashour; Eduard Atuesta, Benny Feilhaber, Lee Nguyen; Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande, Latif Blessing.
What To Watch For
Women In Sports: Saturday's match will be a celebration of Women In Sports as part of MLS "Soccer For All." LAFC will honor female professional athletes across a variety of sports before and during the match. Women will be leading the 3252 during the match from the each of the capo stands in the North End.
The Return Of The General: Laurent Ciman was a standby in Belgium's 2018 World Cup squad, but was sent home after Vincent Kompany was declared fit for the tournament. The General is no doubt disappointed to not take part in the tournament, but has been back at training this week with LAFC and Bob Bradley said the defender was in good spirits. He's available to play on Saturday. And knowing Ciman, if he is available, he's playing. So I'd expect to see him leading the LAFC backline.
Crew Without Steffen: A big blow for the Columbus Crew will be the injury to No. 1 goalkeeper Zack Steffen. The US international has been ruled out of the match with a knee injury and did not travel to LA. He is a big part of the Crew's stellar defensive record.
Never Say Die: LAFC followed up its comeback victory in San Jose with a 3-2 comeback in the Open Cup against Sacramento Republic FC. The Black & Gold have shown a strong mentality when behind both on the road and at home. While Bob Bradley won't want to concede first in the match, his side knows a deficit doesn't necessarily mean defeat. If LAFC find themselves behind, they'll fight until the final whistle.
