In the MLS Western Conference, the Colorado Rapids host the defending champions Los Angeles FC at DSG Park on April 1. After five games, the hosts are last in the Conference and have had a losing start to their MLS campaign. Due to Kevin Cabral’s 85th-minute equalizer against Austin in a 1-1 draw, Colorado avoided a third league defeat.
In contrast, Los Angeles defeated FC Dallas 2-1 at home to return to winning ways and remain unbeaten in four league games. Denis Bouanga and Timothy Tillman scored for the defending champions. Six minutes later, Carlos Vela made up for his missed penalty kick in the 78th minute by providing the winning assist.
Prediction
The hosts are winless in the association, with their poor goalscoring structure being a reason to worry. However, Colorado has won their last three meetings with LAFC at home.
LAFC has not scored in any of their MLS away games this season, but they have kept a clean sheet. The visitors should win by a small margin given their current form.
Prediction: Los Angeles beats Colorado 0-1.
Head-to-Head
- Since 2018, the two teams have met eight times in the MLS, and all of those encounters ended in a draw. 5-3 LAFC lead.
- When the two teams last met in the MLS in 2022, Colorado won 2-0, their third win in a row at home against the visitors. They have prevailed in three of their four meetings with the current champions at home.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in six of Los Angeles’ last seven MLS games, with at least two goals scored.
- In their last five encounters with Colorado, LAFC has scored at least twice in four of those encounters.
- With two goals scored in five games, the hosts have the worst offensive record in the MLS. In four games, LAFC has scored nine goals.
Team news
Aboubacar Keita and Dantouma Toure are both out on Sunday with long-term injuries to their cruciate ligaments, and Jack Price is out with an Achilles tendon injury. This means that Robin Fraser will be without several first-team players on Sunday.
Sam Nicholson and Andreas Maxso will continue to play wingback and center back for the Rapids because Jackson Travis and Moise Bombito are both being treated for abdominal muscle and knee injuries.
After combining for Colorado’s equalizer against Austin, Cabral and Barrios are both vying for starts this weekend; consequently, Cole Bassett and Jonathan Lewis may be placed on the bench.
Yet again the guests will be without their goalkeeper Maxine Crepeau as he has broken his tibia so John McCarthy will nominate between the sticks for Cherundolo’s group.
After scoring again as a substitute in Los Angeles’ most recent match against Dallas, Bouanga surely deserves a spot in the starting eleven due to his goalscoring exploits in the early-season fixtures.
Lineup
Colorado Rapids
- Yarbrough
- Wilson, Abubakar, Maxso
- Rosenberry, Acosta, Ronan, Nicholson
- Barrios, Cabral, Max
Los Angeles FC
- McCarthy
- Hollingshead, Murillo, Chiellini, Palencia
- Sanchez, Acosta, Tillman
- Opoku, Vela, Bouanga
Betting Tips
Denis Bouanga to score or assist at any time – Yes – LAFC Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Under 2.5
Where to watch
Watch the match on Apple TV