LAFC vs Real Salt Lake – July 17, 2024
In a 1-1 draw, the LAFC vs Real Salt Lake match on Wednesday at BMO Stadium put the Black and Gold in fourth place standing for the Supporters’ Shield. The SoCal club now have 44 points and sit behind Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, and LA Galaxy in the race.
The midweek showdown started strong on LAFC’s end as they took full advantage of RSL’s early mistakes which resulted in a goal in the 5th minute of the match. LAFC’s Cristian Olivera drew out Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Zac MacMath outside of the penalty area which opened up a clear shot for the Uruguayan winger to put his team up 1-0. Olivera now has five regular season goals in 2024 and eight across all competitions.
Midway through the first half, Denis Bouanga had a good look at the net while rushing down the field aside RSL’s Philip Quinton. Reading the offense, MacMath played up and saved Bouanga’s left footed strike. Moments after, RSL tied the game when Brayan Vera attempted and succeeded on a free kick through multiple Black and Gold jerseys and through LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The ball was slightly deflected off of Francisco Ginella which definitely threw off Lloris.
Following his suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Timothy Tillman made his return this game. Due to an injury, he had to leave the game in the 17th minute. Replacing Tillman, Kei Kamara made his 435th appearance in an MLS regular season. As of now, Kamara is fourth amongst non-goalkeepers and sixth overall in league history for the most games played.
This matchup was the two club’s 18th meet, and the very first of those to end in a tie. LAFC’s record versus RSL since debuting in the MLS in 2018 is currently 13-4-1.
On July 20, the Black and Gold will travel to Seattle to face the Sounders.
