Another week, another desperate Eastern Conference team will line up opposite LAFC.
On Saturday, LAFC welcome the New England Revolution to Banc of California Stadium. The Revs currently sit three points adrift of the final playoff spot in the East with one game in hand. After handing NYCFC its first home loss last week, New England is confident it can conjure up the same kind of performance on the West Coast. But with LAFC just three points off the top spot in the Western Conference, getting any kind of result at the Banc is going to be difficult for the visitors.
Here's a look at LAFC's first-ever meeting with the New England Revolution:
Where To Watch/Listen
LAFC vs. New England Revolution Presented by Metro, Sept. 14 at 7:30pm PT
TV: YouTube TV (prematch show starts at 7p), UniMás 46
Radio: Streaming on the ESPNLA app, KFWB 980
Opponent Form
The Revolution head west having snatched three points from NYCFC with a 1-0 win on the road. The win was the first by a visiting at NYCFC this season, and it broke the Revs nine-match winless streak dating back to July 7 - New England's nine-match winless run is tied for the third longest in MLS this season.
What The Players Are Saying
Lee Nguyen on facing his old team: "For me it's going to be business but at the same time, yeah, it'll probably be a little bit sweeter if we get those three points."
LAFC Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3): Tyler Miller; Jordan Harvey, Danilo Silva, Walker Zimmerman, Steven Beitashour; Eduard Atuesta, Benny Feilhaber, Lee Nguyen; Diego Rossi, Marco Ureña, Carlos Vela.
What To Watch For
Lee Nguyen Against His Old Club: Lee Nguyen spent seven seasons with the New England Revolution. During that time, he racked up 51 goals, was an MVP finalist, and runner up for an MLS Cup and Open Cup. But the midfielder needed a change of scenery before the start of this year, and as a result, he was left out of New England's 18 to start the season. New England started well with three wins in its first five matches, but since trading Nguyen to LAFC, the Revs have tailed off quite a bit. Here in LA, Nguyen is really starting to hit his stride. It took the midfielder just a few months to get his feet fully under him, but now has two goals in his last three matches. How will Nguyen greet his old team? We've already seen that LAFC does quite well against its players' former sides.
Top Spot In Western Conference Up For Grabs: With three wins in its last four, LAFC are back within reach of the Western Conference's top spot. Just three points separate LAFC from FC Dallas, while the Black & Gold are two points from second place Sporting KC - the top two spots in each conference receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs. With the most away wins in the conference, LAFC might look at the five draws so far at home as opportunities missed when it comes to its place in the table. Four home matches remain, including Saturday's against New England, and LAFC will need to maximize its points at home if it hopes to finish the year in one of those top two spots.
