If you’ve been caught up in the excitement of the Olympics the past several weeks, and just getting back into the swing of domestic soccer, then welcome! While countries competed for athletic bragging rights in a myriad of events, LAFC have been chugging along in the Leagues Cup in their quest at more trophies, as well as a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The team have continued to look like one of the best in MLS right now, and have already begun to integrate their newest arrivals, striker Olivier Giroud and midfielder Lewis O’Brien. Now, the team take on Liga MX giant killers, Colorado Rapids, who themselves have had an incredibly tournament, for a spot in the finals and chance at silverware.
24 Hours. ⏳
🆚 @ColoradoRapids
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/SDyTDmSyhq— LAFC (@LAFC) August 21, 2024
Bane of Liga MX
The Colorado Rapids have had a really great 2024 campaign so far. They currently in 4th place in the Western Conference of MLS action, just eight points off the top of the table. This, after finishing dead last in the West just last season. They have also proven they absolutely deserve to be in the Leagues Cup semifinals after going through a gauntlet of Liga MX sides. In the knockout stages the Pids took down familiar foe León, FC Juarez, Toluca and Mexican giants Club América. They are very much the reason we are in an all MLS tournament now, and they would love nothing more than to keep this insane run going by knocking off LAFC in BMO.
Securing Silverware
This will be the third time these two sides meet this year, with them splitting the previous encounters. It was the Rapids who got the best of LAFC early in the season, way back in March in their 3-2 win, but it was Los Angeles who really put on a show in the reverse, when these two met in June, winning 3-0 at home. Now, the black & gold are back home, this time with a lot more than just three points on the line. Not only will a win see LAFC into the Leagues Cup Finals but it will give them a berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup tournament, which they failed to qualify for in 2024.
“This scenario, a home game in the semifinals against a team we know, I couldn’t ask for more” said LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo when speaking to media ahead of the match. “It’s also important we have the right mentality from minute one tomorrow to not let this opportunity slip away and to take advantage of it.”
How to Watch
Kickoff is set for 7:00pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. You can stream the broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV. Those looking for radio can find the broadcast on ESPN LA on 710AM.
Thoughts ahead of tonight’s match? Leave a comment below!