LAFC on the verge of history or the biggest choke of the year? | OneFootball

The match-up between Los Angeles FC and Colorado Rapids of the Concacaf Champions Cup is heading for a nail-biting conclusion. Although the Rapids hold a 2-1 aggregate edge, Djordje Mihailovic's side steps onto the field with that narrow advantage. Will that be enough, however, in keeping at bay an LAFC side seeking some level of revenge and nearly unstoppable at home to their Denver cousins?

The answer is not that straightforward. This meeting is more than just the scoreboard. Context, key players, and tactical adjustments will prove crucial. LAFC is at home, where it has dominated Colorado, needing one goal just to draw the match. But opposing them is a side that has built itself into an art form of upsetting favorites.

Djordje Mihailovic sets the tone for the Rapids

If one name embodies the Rapids' present tempo, it's Djordje Mihailovic. He scored twice in the first leg, one of them an incredible free kick. Beyond the numbers, he exudes the confidence of a player who has consistently tormented LAFC. Since arriving in Colorado, he has tallied decisive goals, seven of his recent ones set-piece strikes.

The figures do not lie. The midfielder has been directly involved in four goals in five Concachampions matches and is now a lethal attacking force for the Rapids. And with Rafael Navarro, he forms a pair that cannot be overlooked.

If Mihailovic does get space in which to move, LAFC might be in big trouble. The black-gold midfielders need to break up his ability to deliver quality passes, or at least stay out of committing fouls on the edge of the box.

LAFC holds a dominant home record at BMO Stadium

Colorado may be leading on the board, but history is against it. LAFC has never lost at home to the Rapids. It has seven meetings and seven wins with a whopping 21-2 goal difference.

And if there's one player who can turn things around for the home side, it's Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese attacker, who led Concachampions goal-scorers in 2023, has already accumulated 11 goal-direct contributions in the tournament. He's LAFC's focal point for scoring, and if the Rapids repeat the same mistake they made in the first leg — giving him too much room to operate at the death — they'll regret that again.

Another consideration: head coach Steve Cherundolo has been rotating his players. Against Minnesota United, he made significant substitutions, giving minutes to game-changers in reserve. Jeremy Ebobisse, the winner's scorer in that match, may once more be able to receive valuable minutes.

What could decide the match

If LAFC can get on the board first, the game takes a whole new level of competition. A 1-0 win would even the aggregate and send Cherundolo's side through on away goals. If the Rapids score and get on the board, though, LAFC would need to score at least two in order to stay in it.

If the total stays level at 90 minutes, there is additional time. And if nobody has been declared as a winner after 120 minutes, the only thing left is penalties. One thing to note: away goals are not scored in extra time, something that could have impact on strategy in the event the game runs into extra time.

Columbus Crew is waiting

Whichever takes the victory, the next one is already being written. Columbus Crew, the team that got a ticket for the second phase, will welcome the winner of this one.

But let them take care of LAFC and Colorado Rapids first. And if there is something sure, then it's the fact that something is not likely to be seen in this match. The globe is ready, the lead actor is ready, and the nerves are on the verge of bursting.