Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
The final match of the U.S. Open Cup will take place on Wednesday in Los Angeles, where LAFC will face Sporting Kansas City at the BMO Stadium. Here’s the expert prediction from the Dailysports team.
Los Angeles FC
Steve Cherundolo’s team started the season in strong form, but a slump with the arrival of autumn has caused them to fall to fourth place in the standings. Last weekend, LAFC faced FC Dallas away and suffered a 1-3 defeat. This extended their winless streak to five consecutive matches.
On their way to the final, LAFC defeated Las Vegas Lights (3-1), Loudoun (3-0), New Mexico United (3-1), and Seattle Sounders (1-0). Additionally, LAFC performed well in the Leagues Cup, reaching the final against Columbus Crew, although they lost after conceding goals in stoppage time (90+2 and 90+4 minutes).
Sporting Kansas City
The "Wizards" participated in the playoffs last season, but their current MLS campaign has been a major disappointment. Peter Vermes’ side is third from the bottom in the standings, with 31 points from 31 matches, managing just eight wins alongside 16 losses. They are 11 points adrift of the playoff zone.
In their most recent match, Sporting Kansas City lost 0-2 at home to Minnesota United. In the Leagues Cup, they started with a 4-1 home win over Montreal but were then eliminated after two losses to Toluca and Columbus Crew. In the U.S. Open Cup, Sporting advanced by defeating Union Omaha (2-1 in extra time), Tulsa (4-0), FC Dallas (2-1 in extra time), and Indy Eleven (2-0 in the semifinals).
Match Facts
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet has landed in three of the last five matches.
- In 10 of the last matches between these teams, the "Over 2.5 Goals" bet has hit seven times.
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet has landed in LAFC’s last three matches.
H2H
The teams played out a goalless draw earlier this season at LAFC's home ground. In their last six encounters, LAFC has won four times and is unbeaten against Sporting.
Probable Lineups
- Los Angeles FC: Lloris, Hollingshead, Segura, Long, Campos, Tillman, Sanchez, O'Brien, Bogusz, Giroud, Bouanga.
- Sporting Kansas City: Melia, Leibold, Voloder, Rosero, Shelton, Walter, Davis, Salloi, Thommy, Afrifa, Agada.
Prediction
Bookmakers favor LAFC, with odds of 1.52 for the home team to win. We anticipate goals from both sides and recommend the "Over 2.5 Goals" bet at odds of 1.60.
