LAFC take on fellow Major League Soccer opposition Real Salt Lake in the round of 16 in the 2023 Leagues Cup, and LA boss Steve Cherundolo will look to select a similar lineup to the one that dismantled FC Juarez 7-1 last time out.
If it’s not broke, then don’t bother trying to fix it. That phrase may very well be running through Cherundolo’s mind as he makes his starting lineup selections ahead of his side’s Leagues Cup showdown with Real Salt Lake.
The Black and Gold last played on July 15 before their impressive showing against Juarez, meaning they were well-rested leading up to the game. Thus, their thumping against the Mexican side is to no surprise, and they reclaimed some of the national spotlight that Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have been hogging for the last few weeks.
On paper, Real Salt Lake should cause LAFC more problems with the likes of Pablo Ruiz and former LA forward Cristian ‘Chicho’ Arango, who stood out at BMO Stadium before departing for Pachuca earlier this year. However, Cherundolo will more than likely stick to his guns and play the same starting 11 that worked wonders against Juarez.
GK: John McCarthy – No surprise here. McCarthy has proved himself as one of the MLS’ best shot stoppers with the Black and Gold.
RB: Ryan Hollingshead – The full-back got in on the scoring against Juarez and has become a nailed-on starter for his side.
CB: Girogio Chiellini – Although he only played just over an hour in their last outing, Chiellini’s experience is invaluable in a tournament as the games roll on.
CB: Aaron Long – The USMNT figure has become one of LAFC’s most important players since joining in the winter transfer window and will slot right in to the starting XI.
LB: Diego Palacios – The 24-year-old has become one of the first names on the team sheet under head coach Cherundolo.
CM: Mateusz Bogusz – With the departure of Jose Cifuentes, Bogusz has been called upon to play in the middle of the park for the being as he usually is deployed as a striker.
CM: Kellyn Acosta – Acosta has become part of LAFC’s spine, and this is a no-brainer in the center of the midfield three.
CM: IIie Sanchez – Since joining in 2022, he’s been an integral part of LAFC’s success and has formed a formidable partnership with Acosta.
RW: Stipe Biuk – The 20-year-old will continue to see more minutes while Cherundolo sorts out the midfield with Bogusz.
ST: Carlos Vela – Because of his side’s situation in the midfield, Vela has been tasked with leading the line in front of goal.
LW: Denis Bouanga – Another no-brainer in the side. He’s coming off a hat-trick and looks primed to continue his strong season as the games keep coming.
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