LAFC Faces St. Louis CITY SC Showdown in 2025 MLS Season Preview
**LAFC Eyes Fourth Consecutive Victory Against St. Louis CITY SC at Energizer Park**
LAFC Aims for Top Four Finish in Western Conference
LAFC, riding high on a record-setting performance last Sunday, is set to challenge St. Louis CITY SC at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, this Saturday. With a current record of 14W-7L-8D, the team aims to secure a top-four finish in the Western Conference, increasing its chances of hosting crucial MLS Cup Playoff games. Currently in fourth place, LAFC has already secured its seventh trip to the playoffs in the club’s eight-year history.
St. Louis CITY SC Battling for Playoff Survival
In contrast, St. Louis CITY SC finds itself in a precarious 13th position in the Western Conference with a record of 7W-17L-7D, vying to keep their playoff hopes alive. Energizer Park’s 20,000-strong supporters offer unwavering support, creating a challenging environment for any visiting team.
Impressive Road Form for LAFC
LAFC boasts a remarkable unbeaten streak in its last ten away games in MLS play (4W-0L-6D) and hasn’t tasted defeat outside BMO Stadium since April 5. Head coach Steve Cherundolo emphasizes treating each match like a playoff game, a strategy that has resonated well with the players.
The Impact of Son Heung-Min
New addition Son Heung-Min, an MLS Newcomer of the Year candidate, has quickly made his mark with LAFC, scoring six goals and contributing three assists in just seven appearances. Son’s presence has invigorated the team, playing a key role in its current three-game winning streak.
Denis Bouanga’s Scoring Spree
Denis Bouanga’s exceptional form continues, establishing a new MLS record with hat tricks in three consecutive matches. Currently second in the MLS Golden Boot race with 22 goals, Bouanga is determined to secure a fourth consecutive victory for LAFC.
Key Players and Matchup Highlights
| LAFC Key Players | St. Louis CITY SC Key Players |
|---|---|
| Son Heung-Min | João Klauss |
| Denis Bouanga | Marcel Hartel |
| David Martínez | Jeong Sang-bin |
In their most recent encounter, LAFC managed to secure a 2-2 draw against St. Louis CITY SC, thanks to Bouanga’s double, including a last-minute equalizer.
St. Louis CITY SC’s Recent resurgence
Under interim head coach David Critchley, St. Louis CITY SC has seen a late-season resurgence, including back-to-back wins on the road, contributing to an unbeaten run of three matches. Rookie Brendan McSorley played a significant role with two goals and an assist in their latest 3-1 victory over San Jose.
Path to Victory for LAFC
For LAFC to continue its winning streak, it needs to maintain its relentless style of play. With only six matches remaining, including this clash against St. Louis, head coach Cherundolo aims to maximize points and potentially repeat last year’s five-game winning streak to close the regular season.
