Crucial Showdown: Real Salt Lake vs LAFC in Key Western Conference Playoff Battle

September 17, 2025
Crucial Showdown: Real Salt Lake vs LAFC in Key Western Conference Playoff Battle
  • LAFC will be missing defenders Maxime Chanot, Lorenzo Dellavalle, Aaron Long, and striker Jeremy Ebobisse, who is sidelined until late September.

  • Denis Bouanga is close to setting a club record for goals, tied with Carlos Vela at 93, and scored a hat trick in the last game, making him a key attacker for LAFC.

  • Salt Lake's midfielder Diego Luna leads the team in goals and assists, having scored in their last match to break a three-game losing streak, showcasing their resilience.

  • LAFC's offensive output is 49 goals (11th in MLS), while Salt Lake has scored 30, indicating the match could hinge on Salt Lake's defensive resilience and counterattack.

  • Salt Lake's defense has been relatively solid, conceding 37 goals (ninth in MLS), with LAFC conceding 35, ranking fifth in league defense.

  • LAFC is one point behind Seattle Sounders for a top-four spot, while Salt Lake is in 10th place, just one point behind San Jose for a playoff position.

  • This match is the first of two back-to-back games between LAFC and Salt Lake, with the second scheduled at LAFC's home ground, BMO Stadium.

  • Salt Lake's squad is impacted by injuries to goalkeeper Zac MacMath, defender Javain Brown, and striker Matthew Bell, with others expected to return late September or October.

  • LAFC is preparing for this important match to improve their league standing and secure playoff advantages, following a recent victory in San Jose.

  • LAFC announced a contract extension for defender Sergi Palencia through 2028, highlighting his importance with over 100 appearances and 10 assists.

  • Real Salt Lake will host LAFC at America First Field in Salt Lake City on Wednesday in a crucial MLS Western Conference match, with both teams vying for a playoff spot.

  • Kick-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET at America First Field, with the game broadcast live on Apple TV in the US.

Summary based on 2 sources


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