Los Angeles FC takes on the Colorado Rapids in a Western Conference clash tonight.
LAFC are coming off a loss to San Diego FC, with a late penalty from Anders Dreyer ending their eight-match unbeaten streak.
Marc Dos Santos’ squad is also in the middle of a busy schedule. After facing the Rapids tonight, LAFC will return home to take on the Portland Timbers on August 22.
Overall, LAFC have remained consistent across their last nine matches, recording five wins and three draws alongside their loss to San Diego FC. Their attacking quality has also been on display, with the team outscoring opponents 15-5 during that stretch.
For tonight’s match, Dos Santos has left star forward Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup, with Tyler Boyd, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Jacob Shaffelburg named as the front three.
Why Is Son Heung-min Not Playing Against Colorado Rapids?
Son Heung-min managed for fatigue after a grueling run of matches with LAFC. The South Korean star has featured heavily during the club’s busy August schedule, which has included eight games and has been named on the bench for tonight’s match.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
With another match against the Portland Timbers coming up on August 22, Dos Santos has opted to manage Son’s playing time and avoid putting the forward at unnecessary risk of injury.
Son’s absence means LAFC will rely on Boyd, Ebobisse, and Shaffelburg to lead the attack against Colorado although he will most likely feature from the bench later in the game.
The Rapids will start Hansen in goal, with Cannon, Williams, Holding, and M. Navarro forming the back four. Ojediran and Frederick will anchor the midfield, while Aaronson and Maziz provide creativity behind R. Navarro and Yapi.
LAFC will have Carter in goal, with Hollingshead, Porteous, Tafari, and Cheberko in defense. Choinière, Segura, and Tillman will make up the midfield, while Boyd, Ebobisse, and Shaffelburg lead the attack.
