LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Preview 2025 | MLS Western Conference Team News & Prediction

LAFC vs Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. PT in a pivotal Western Conference clash as the 2025 MLS regular season heads into its final stretch. Los Angeles FC currently sit 4th in the Western Conference with 47 points from 28 matches, while Real Salt Lake occupy 21st place with 34 points from 29 matches in the overall MLS table.

LAFC have enjoyed a strong run with the addition of Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga driving an efficient attacking line, with Bouanga recently becoming the club’s all-time top scorer during a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on September 17.

In contrast, RSL have struggled for consistency this season, chained to the lower reaches of the table despite occasional sparks from emerging young talents like Zavier Gozo.

The LAFC vs Real Salt Lake match will be a crucial contest at BMO Stadium on September 21, where LAFC aims to consolidate its playoff positioning while Real Salt Lake fights to climb out of the relegation threat.

RSL’s forward Victor Olatunji will miss the game due to a suspension from a red card received recently, impacting their attacking options significantly. Meanwhile, LAFC looks to continue its strong home record, leveraging the creative strengths of Carlos Vela and the midfield control provided by Timmy Tillman.

LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Match Preview – Team News, Recent Form, H2H & Prediction

This clash between two high-scoring teams could determine playoff seeding and home advantage, with both sides boasting potent attacks and tactical versatility.

Teams: LAFC vs Real Salt Lake
Date: Sunday, Sept. 21
Time: 7:30 PM PT / 9:30 PM CT / 10:30 PM ET
Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Competition: MLS Regular Season 2025 (Matchday 34)
Table Standings –
- LAFC – 4th
- Real Salt Lake – 10th

Recent Form of LAFC and Real Salt Lake

LAFC have been unstoppable recently, winning eight and drawing two of their last ten matches, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 8. Real Salt Lake have been solid with six wins, two draws and two losses in their last ten, showing defensive improvement but occasional lapses at the other end.

LAFC: W9–D1–L0 (Last five: Wins vs Seattle, Vancouver, Nashville, Portland; Draw vs Colorado)
Real Salt Lake: W3–D2–L0 (Last five: Wins vs Houston, CF Montréal, San Jose; Draws vs Sporting KC, Philadelphia)

All-Time Head-to-Head

Since LAFC’s inception in 2018, the clubs have met 15 times in MLS play. LAFC lead the series with 9 wins, RSL have 3 victories, and there have been 3 draws. LAFC have won all four home meetings, including a 4-1 win earlier this season.

Team News

LAFC: Midfielder Ilie Sánchez returns from his one-match suspension. Defender Eddie Segura remains sidelined with a knee injury. Forward Diego Rossi is fit and likely to support Vela in attack.
Real Salt Lake: Veteran defender Damir Kreilach is available after serving a yellow-card suspension. Forward Anderson Julio continues his hot streak. Midfielder Maikel Chang is doubtful with a groin issue.

LAFC vs Real Salt Lake Predicted Lineups

LAFC Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
Defenders: Artem Smolyakov, Nkosi Tafari, Ryan Porteous, Sergi Palencia
Midfielders: Eddie Segura, Marco Delgado, Mathieu Choiniere
Forwards: Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-Min, Timothy Tillman

Real Salt Lake Predicted XI (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Rafael Cabral
Defenders: Alexandros Katranis, Brayan Vera, Justen Glad, Noel Caliskan
Midfielders: Diego Luna, Braian Ojeda, Emeka Eneli, Zavier Gozo
Forwards: Victor Olatunji, Rwan Cruz

Key Battles

Carlos Vela vs Damir Kreilach: Vela’s creativity and finishing against Kreilach’s defensive leadership.
Ilie Sánchez vs Maikel Chang: Midfield duel for tempo and control of possession.

Tactics & Prediction

LAFC will dominate possession and look to exploit space behind RSL’s full-backs, with Vela and Rossi cutting in from the wings. RSL will aim to stay compact defensively and hit on the break through Julio and Plata.