Western Conference Heavyweights Set for Tight Whitecaps-LAFC Clash

Vancouver have won only two of their last seven league matches, while LAFC arrive on a four-game winning run. Recent head-to-head meetings suggest another tight battle between two Western Conference contenders.

By 7MTHScore Staff

Vancouver Whitecaps welcome back Ali Ahmed after he served a one-match suspension.

LAFC have Igor Jesus and Sergi Palencia on the injury list.

For Vancouver Whitecaps, the unavailable players are Harboe Nyhagen (knee), Priso Mbongue (Achilles), Emmanuel Sabbi (groin), Kenji Cabrera (foot), Bruno Casado (quadriceps) and Sebastian Berhalter (undisclosed).

For LAFC, Igor Jesus and Sergi Palencia are both out with leg injuries.

Vancouver Whitecaps visited Minnesota United last weekend and controlled much of the game, posting 60% possession while finishing with an 11-8 edge in shots and a 6-2 advantage in shots on target. The problem was their inability to score, and they had to settle for a 0-0 draw. It means the Whitecaps are now winless in their last two league matches, having previously lost 4-3 to FC Cincinnati in their first game after the Club World Cup break.

LAFC, meanwhile, thrashed Sporting Kansas City 4-0 at home last weekend to make it four straight league wins. Son Heung-min opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and Denis Bouanga plus David Martinez stretched the lead to 3-0 before half-time. Bouanga then grabbed his second late in the second half, while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet.

Vancouver Whitecaps have managed only two wins, along with three draws and two defeats, from their last seven league matches. LAFC, by contrast, have won their last four league games and kept three clean sheets in that run. This looks like a closely matched contest, and LAFC on the handicap appeals.

In last season's two regular-season meetings, Vancouver won 1-0 away to LAFC and drew 2-2 at home. They also eliminated LAFC at home on penalties in the playoffs.