LAFC vs. Sporting Kansas City - 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final
Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. PT
🏟: BMO Stadium - Los Angeles CA
Following a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, LAFC next takes on Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday, September 25, at BMO Stadium.
This marks the Black & Gold’s inaugural appearance in the U.S. Open Cup Final, while SKC will be competing in its fifth Final, having won the U.S. Open Cup title in each of its previous appearances.
LAFC earned its spot in the championship match with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders on August 28 at Starfire Sports Stadium. SKC secured its place in the Final by defeating USL Championship side Indy Eleven 2-0 on August 27.
The match will be just the second encounter between LAFC and SKC in 2024. The teams first met in March during league play at BMO Stadium, a match that ended in a scoreless draw. All-time, LAFC has a record of 6W-4L-2D against Sporting KC.
Sporting KC In Depth:
Coached by manager Peter Vermes, SKC is aiming to capture its fifth U.S. Open Cup trophy. The team last lifted the cup in 2017 with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. (Current LAFC players Ilie Sánchez and Aaron Long played against one another in that match.)
In MLS league play, SKC holds a record of 8W-16L-7D and sits in 12th place in the Western Conference with 31 points from 31 matches. SKC’s latest match ended in a 2-0 defeat against Minnesota United FC on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
Leading the offense is William Agada, who has netted nine goals and contributed three assists in league play. Right behind him is former Mexican international Alan Pulido, with seven goals and five assists.
The Black & Gold Can Lift The Trophy If:
It can overcome its recent struggles by finding ways score first in front of its home crowd at BMO Stadium, where it has been an unfriendly host. With an impressive record of 15W-2L-5D at BMO Stadium across all competitions in 2024, the Black & Gold has leaned on its home advantage, capitalizing on transition attacking moments and a disciplined defense.
In the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, LAFC has outscored opponents 10-3 on its path to Wednesday’s Final. Several starters rested in Wednesday night’s match in Dallas, in preparation for SKC.
Reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga is primed to make his impact after being kept off the score sheet in LAFC’s previous two matches.
Sporting KC Can Win If:
It enters the match with a “nothing to lose” mentality, having already been eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs and having secured just three road victories in 2024 across all competitions. The team will look to capitalize on LAFC's recent dip in form by scoring first in the challenging environs of BMO Stadium.
