Los Angeles FC vs Columbus Crew

BMO Stadium is the venue as Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew lock horns in a mouth-watering Major League Soccer showdown.

Los Angeles’ final warm-up for this blockbuster tie went smoothly, as they thumped USL Championship side New Mexico 3-1 in midweek US Open Cup action, stretching their winning streak to four matches. Steve Cherundolo’s free-firing frontline netted multiple goals in all four victories. They had achieved that feat in three consecutive MLS duels against Columbus (W3) before a 2-1 defeat in their most recent H2H in December 2013. BMO Stadium has been LAFC’s safe haven, with the Los Angeles outfit racking up a jaw-dropping eight-game winning run on home turf in the build-up to this fixture. As if that’s not intimidating enough, Cherundolo’s troops bagged at least two goals in seven of those eight triumphs, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring event.

Visiting Columbus Crew could hold up their end of the bargain after winning their last four MLS outings by a combined score of 15-1, notably scoring 4+ goals on three occasions! Back at their usual best after a 2-1 defeat at Inter Miami in mid-June, the reigning MLS Cup holders are hellbent on whittling down a nine-point deficit on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati. With two games in hand, the visitors are confident of achieving that target, especially after finding their footing on the road. Having gone winless on their opening four MLS travels this season (D2, L2), Wilfried Nancy’s men have won five of their last six league games away from home (L1), including a dominant 5-1 victory at New England Revolution a fortnight ago.