LAFC vs St Louis CITY SC – September 20, 2023
For the first time playing in CITYPARK, the LAFC vs St Louis CITY matchup on Wednesday ended in a 0-0 draw as the two top teams in the MLS Western Conference were unable to find the back of the net. Both goalkeepers, Maxime Crepau for LAFC and Roman Burki for St. Louis, finished the game with a clean sheet.
The first place St. Louis City (15-10-5, 50 points) was able to secure a playoff berth in their inaugural season with the draw. Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls drew 1-1 and Minnesota United lost 4-3 to the Los Angeles Galaxy, respectively.
This marked the first match with Crepeau back in action since he suffered a fractured right leg last November during LAFC’s MLS Cup final victory against the Philadelphia Union. What a way to come back for the 29 year old Canadian goalkeeper with his 22nd career shutout. Crepeau also recorded his 10th clean sheet in the last two regular seasons for LAFC.
Burki finished the game with two saves, one of which came from LAFC’s Giorgio Chiellini’s bicycle kick goal attempt in the 58th minute. Despite Bouanga’s six shot attempts, the Black and Gold just couldn’t convert on the offensive end. That said, the club recorded their first clean sheet after giving up goals in their last four games. The last time LAFC finished a match with a clean sheet was on August 23 against the Colorado Rapids.
With the tie, LAFC now falls to third place in the Western Conference. Next up is a MLS Cup rematch with the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 23.
