LAFC vs LD Alajuelense
Wednesday, March 15, 7:30pm PT
Location: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles, California
TV: FS2, TUDN
After a short turnaround that resulted in a dominating 4-0 win against the New England Revolution on Sunday, March 12, the Black & Gold will now shift their focus back to the Concacaf Champions League and host L.D. Alajuelense for the second leg on Wednesday, March 15. This will mark the third game in seven days for LAFC.
The MLS reigning champions LAFC will look to defend their 3-0 lead that they were able to secure at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Costa Rica.
A second half hat-trick by forward Denis Bouanga helped the Black & Gold secure a comfortable lead in the first leg against L.D. Alajuelense. Bouanga then followed up his hat-trick with two more goals scored against the Revs.
ALAJUELENSE IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Andrés Carevic, Alajuelense is one of the most successful clubs in Costa Rica, with 30 domestic league titles and they made their seventh Concacaf Champions League appearance last Thursday in the first leg against LAFC.
The Club fell to second place of the Liga FPD table (8-2-2) after being defeated by Santos de Guápiles F.C 2-0 on Sunday.
Forward Johan Venegas (11 goals) still leads Liga FPD in goals scored, while midfielder Aarón Suárez (5 goals) is tied for second.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can continue their momentum from their three-straight wins to start the season. The Black & Gold are rolling in with a 3-0 lead but will need to stay focused as L.D. Alajuelense will be a desperate team looking to capitalize on any opportunities. The LAFC backline has produced back-to-back shutouts and will be called upon to help the team advance in the tournament.
ALAJUELENSE CAN WIN IF
They can find a way to finish opportunities given to them. Johan Venegas and Aarón Suárez remain dangerous when the ball is at their feet and will look to give Alajuelense life. The team has lost two-straight games for the first time this league year and will certainly come out with a strong mentality in hopes of catching LAFC outside of their comfort zone.
