MLS Cup Breakdown
When: Saturday, 1:05 p.m. PT
Where: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles
TV/Radio: FOX, TUDN, Univision/710 AM, 980 AM
Records: Los Angeles Football Club (21-9-4, 67 points) vs. Philadelphia Union (19-5-10, 67 points)
Line: LAFC -122, Philadelphia +280, Draw +300, O/U 2.5
Notable Injuries: LAFC center back Eddie Segura missed the Austin match with a right leg injury. Don’t expect much from the Colombian center back, who missed practice on Friday. Meanwhile, Union iron man and captain Alejandro Bedoya gutted his way onto the field last week in the Eastern Conference final. Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin said it would be difficult to start the former U.S. men’s national team player against LAFC as he tries to play through a groin injury.
What’s at stake? This is the first chance for both clubs to win an MLS Cup.
Who’s better? TBD. Seriously, that’s not a cop-out. We’re talking 1 and 1a over the past five years, collectors of three of the past four Supporters’ Shields. Neck and neck in every possible way, we get to see them stretch for the finish line. Playing at home should bring a boost to LAFC — that is far more important to their hopes than any benefit the Rams felt while playing against the Bengals at SoFi Stadium.
Matchup to watch: They’re all over the field, but ownership of the midfield will be a major factor. Replacing Bedoya’s on-field leadership for young Jack McGlynn could give LAFC a leg up as it attempts to dominate the run of play. How Ilie Sanchez handles Union’s leading scorer, attacking midfielder Daniel Gazdag, could go a long way in determining the outcome.
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LAFC wins if: They keep Philadelphia out of the box. The Union scored 65 of their 72 goals inside the 18. Meanwhile, LAFC was the best team in MLS in 2022 at limiting chances inside the box. On the other side of the pitch, staying alert during scoring chances and pouncing on rebounds from Union goalkeeper Andre Blake is a must, especially off set pieces. Carlos Vela and Kellyn Acosta created 55 chances off set pieces during the regular season, making LAFC the only team with two players in the top 20 in that category during the regular season.
Prediction: 4-2 LAFC.