90min
·7 August 2024
90min
·7 August 2024
Leagues Cup action rolls on this week as LAFC take on Western Conference foes Austin FC in Round of 32 play.
The Black and Gold climbed out of West Group 7 with a 3-0 victory over Liga MX's Club Tijuana even though they fell 2-2 (4-2 on penalties) to fellow MLS opposition Vancouver Whitecaps in the final group stage match. The 2022 MLS Cup champions are one of the tournament favorites and could very well go on to lift another title near the end of August.
Austin shocked just about everyone who tuned in to watch them take on Liga MX giants Monterrey and Pumas. The Verde and Black pulled off a 3-2 triumph over Pumas before taking down Rayados 2-0 to seal their place atop West Group 1.
You can watch all of the Leagues Cup 2024 action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Timothy Tillman is recovering from a leg injury / Shaun Clark/GettyImages
LAFC will be without midfielder Timothy Tillman as the USA international is recovering from a leg injury and is expected to return to action later this month.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Austin FC ( 4-3-3 ): Lloris; Palencia, Murillo, Long, Hollingshead; Bogusz, Sanchez, Atuesta; Olivera, Kamara, Bouanga.
Osman Bukari was sent off against Pumas / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
New signing Osman Bukari is expected to be available for selection after being shown a second yellow card in the first half in the win over Pumas. Bukari was then suspended for the match vs Monterrey but should be back in the mix against LAFC.
Austin FC predicted lineup vs LAFC ( 4-2-3-1 ): Cleveland; Desler, Hedges, Hines-Ike, Guilherme; Ring, Pereira; Bukari, Driussi, Gallagher; Zardes.
LAFC head into this one as favorites, but it more than likely won't be a walk in the park for Steve Cherundolo's side. With Bukari back in the lineup for Austin alongside Sebastian Driussi and Gyasi Zardes, all signs are pointing to a close matchup at BMO Stadium
The Black and Gold will go on to prevail thanks to a goal from none other than Denis Bouanga to move one step closer to competing in next season's CONCACAF Champions Cup.