LAFC heads into MLS Decision Day with everything on the line. Steve Cherundolo’s team visits the Colorado Rapids this Saturday knowing that a win could push them into second place in the Western Conference and secure a more favorable path through the playoffs. But on the other side stands a desperate opponent. Colorado, sitting in tenth, must win and hope for a combination of results to keep their season alive.
LAFC riding momentum with stars in top form
LAFC is brimming with confidence. With 59 points and just two losses since Son Heung-min’s arrival, the Los Angeles side heads to Colorado on a run of six wins in their last seven matches. The chemistry between the South Korean and Denis Bouanga has been as lethal as it gets in MLS right now. Together, they’ve scored 18 of the team’s last 20 goals — a duo blending talent, instinct, and precision at an almost unstoppable level. Bouanga, meanwhile, is still chasing Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
There’s a two-goal gap between them, and the Gabonese forward needs a big performance in Denver to try to share the top of the scoring chart with the Argentine star. The task, however, won’t be easy. Besides Colorado’s altitude, both Bouanga and Son are coming off long international trips, which could take a physical toll. Even so, Cherundolo’s side relies on a solid foundation, they have the lowest expected goals against (xGA) in the entire league, according to Opta data.
Colorado fighting for survival and pride
For the Colorado Rapids, this matchup is the last frontier. The team has been inconsistent down the stretch and needs a win, combined with stumbles from direct rivals, to climb into ninth place and earn a spot in the Western Conference Wild Card. With 40 points, Chris Armas’s squad is still trying to prove they can compete, but recent form is concerning: just one win in their last six games.
In the previous round, Colorado lost 1–0 to Real Salt Lake despite firing 17 shots and clearly leading the stats. It’s a team that creates but can’t finish and worse, they’ve struggled at the back, conceding 54 goals this season. Forward Rafael Navarro is the team’s main offensive weapon, with 12 goals and five assists, but he needs more support from 20-year-old Darren Yapi, one of MLS’s top U-22 talents.
The problem is confidence. Colorado’s home record is decent, eight wins and only five losses, but they’re facing an LAFC side that won 11 straight road games before falling to Austin.