LAFC vs LA Galaxy
Western Conference Semifinal
Thursday, October 20
7:00pm PT
Location: Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles, California
TV: FS1, FOX Deportes
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
After having the luxury of a first-round bye to start the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, LAFC is now to set to clash against its crosstown rivals the Galaxy on Thursday in the Western Conference Semifinals at Banc of California Stadium.
This will be the second-ever matchup between the rivals in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as the Black & Gold eliminated the Galaxy 5-3 in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals.
The clubs’ will meet for the fourth time this season across all competitions, with LAFC defeating the Galaxy 3-2 in their last match on July 8 at Banc of California Stadium.
The Galaxy finished the season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings with 50 points and then defeated Nashville SC on Saturday 1-0 in the first round of Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
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GALAXY IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Greg Vanney, the Galaxy are back in the playoffs after being eliminated on MLS Decision Day in 2021. The club was 14-12-8 on the season but ended the season on a high note, only losing one game in its last 11 tries (5-1-5).
The Galaxy have only lost once to LAFC in their last six matches played across all competitions (3-1-2) dating back to May 8, 2021.
The team has had 15 different goal scorers this season and is led by Captain and Designated Player Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, who scored 18 goals on the year and two assists. Striker Dejan Joveljić has 11 goals and three assists of his own.
2022 MLS summer transfer window acquisition Riqui Puig has tacked on three goals and five assists in only 10 games played.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can defend the Banc and feed off the home crowd in a highly anticipated prime time matchup. The Black & Gold had an MLS best 13 home wins this season will look to continue their home field dominance. Captain Carlos Vela (12 goals) and forward Cristian Arango (16 goals) have combined for 44 total goals and assists this season. LAFC will need the duo to continue their on-field scoring in order to have a chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
GALAXY CAN WIN IF
Riqui Puig and the Galaxy offense have their way on the field. The Galaxy are most likely to come out in a 4-3-3 lineup and will look to take advantage of any counterattack given to them. The Galaxy will look to cross balls into the box, where Chicharito and the rest of the Galaxy forwards will hope to take advantage of any LAFC mistakes. Dejan Joveljić will most likely be used as a threat late in the game as he has been subbed in 25 times and has scored 11 goals this season.
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