Real Salt Lake welcome Los Angeles FC to America First Field in a pivotal Western Conference clash that could determine playoff positioning for both clubs. With just weeks remaining in the regular season, this encounter carries enormous significance as both teams fight for postseason berths.
Real Salt Lake currently occupies 10th position in the 2025 MLS standings in the Western Conference with 34 points from 28 matches, sitting just outside the playoff line and desperately needing points to secure a wild-card spot. Meanwhile, LAFC find themselves in 5th place with 44 points from 27 matches, holding a crucial playoff position but needing victories to maintain their standing.
The Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Western Conference playoff race remains incredibly tight, with just 10 points separating 5th-place LAFC (44 points) from 10th-place Real Salt Lake (34 points). Every match from here carries playoff implications, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Soccer Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
- Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Time: 21:30 EDT / 19:30 MT (01:30 UTC Thursday)
- Venue: America First Field, Sandy, Utah
- Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 Regular Season
RSL’s Recent Revival Under Pressure
Real Salt Lake have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, most notably securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on September 13th. The victory was fueled by Diego Luna’s spectacular 40th-minute strike, demonstrating the young midfielder’s growing influence on the team’s attacking play.
Luna’s emergence as a key figure has coincided with RSL’s improved form. The 22-year-old USMNT international has been instrumental in their recent upturn, scoring crucial goals and providing creative spark from midfield. His performances earned him recognition as one of the standout players during the USMNT’s Gold Cup campaign, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists across 6 matches.
However, RSL’s overall season statistics remain concerning. They have managed just 10 wins from 28 matches, with a poor goal difference of -7 after scoring only 30 goals while conceding 37. Their home form at America First Field has been better, recording 7 wins from 14 matches with a 50% win rate.
LAFC’s Championship Ambitions
LAFC arrive in Utah carrying significant momentum following their FIFA Club World Cup qualification and recent strong performances. The club’s summer participation in the expanded Club World Cup format demonstrated their ambitions beyond MLS, though it has created fixture congestion challenges.
Denis Bouanga continues to be LAFC’s driving force, having recently tied Carlos Vela’s club record of 93 goals across all competitions. The Gabonese winger has netted 17 goals in 26 MLS appearances this season, putting him on pace for his third consecutive 20-goal campaign – which would make him the first player in MLS history to achieve this feat.
Bouanga’s partnership with Son Heung-min has added a new dimension to LAFC’s attack. The South Korean superstar’s arrival has elevated the entire squad’s performance level and global profile, creating dangerous attacking combinations that have troubled defenses throughout the league.
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Historical Dominance
The head-to-head record overwhelmingly favors LAFC, which has dominated this fixture since their MLS inception. In 18 previous meetings, LAFC have secured 13 victories compared to RSL’s 4 wins and just 1 draw.
The goal statistics tell an even starker story, with LAFC outscoring RSL 39-18 across all encounters. This represents an average of 2.17 goals per game for LAFC compared to just 1.0 goals per game for Real Salt Lake.
| Total Meetings | RSL Wins | LAFC Wins | Draws | RSL Goals | LAFC Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 18 | 39 |
At America First Field specifically, LAFC have shown no signs of struggling with the altitude or hostile environment, maintaining their dominance in Utah.
Key Player Battles
Diego Luna vs LAFC Midfield
Luna’s creativity and goal-scoring threat from midfield positions will be crucial for RSL’s chances. His ability to find space between the lines and deliver crucial passes or shots could unlock LAFC’s organized defense. The young American international has become RSL’s primary creative outlet and will need to continue his recent good form.
Denis Bouanga vs RSL Defense
Bouanga’s pace, directness, and clinical finishing make him LAFC’s most dangerous attacking threat. His 15 MLS goals this season demonstrate his consistency, while his ability to create chances for teammates adds another dimension. RSL’s defense will need to maintain discipline and avoid giving him space in dangerous areas.
Braian Ojeda’s Influence
The Paraguayan midfielder has been in excellent form for RSL, scoring 4 goals in his last 4 matches across all competitions. His work rate and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested midfield battle
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Tactical Analysis
Real Salt Lake typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Their approach at home focuses on pressing aggressively in midfield while looking to exploit spaces behind LAFC’s attacking full-backs through rapid transitions
LAFC prefers a 4-3-3 system that allows for fluid attacking movement and positional interchanges between Bouanga, Son Heung-min, and supporting players. Their possession-based approach seeks to control tempo while creating numerical advantages in wide areas.
The altitude at America First Field (4,226 feet above sea level) could favor RSL, particularly in the later stages of the match, as visiting players may struggle with the thinner air.
Recent Form Comparison
Real Salt Lake Last 5 MLS Matches
- Sep 13: W 2-1 vs Sporting Kansas City (Home)
- Aug 24: D 2-2 vs Minnesota United (Home)
- Aug 17: L 0-2 vs Charlotte FC (Away)
- Aug 10: L 1-3 vs New York Red Bulls (Away)
- Jul 27: W 3-2 vs San Jose Earthquakes (Home)
LAFC Last 5 MLS Matches
- Sep 13: W 4-2 vs San Jose Earthquakes (Home)
- Sep 7: D 1-1 vs Vancouver Whitecaps (Away)
- Aug 31: L 0-1 vs Seattle Sounders (Away)
- Aug 24: W 2-0 vs Colorado Rapids (Home)
- Aug 17: W 3-1 vs Portland Timbers (Home)
LAFC’s superior form is evident, with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss compared to RSL’s 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses over the same period
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC Match Prediction
Despite RSL’s recent upturn and home advantage, LAFC’s superior quality and historical dominance make them clear favorites. Several factors support this assessment:
- Head-to-head record: LAFC’s overwhelming 13-4-1 advantage
- Goal-scoring ability: Bouanga’s 17 goals compared to RSL’s team total of 30
- Away form: LAFC unbeaten in their last 8 MLS road games
- Playoff experience: LAFC’s recent success in high-pressure situations
However, RSL’s desperate need for points and Luna’s emerging influence could create an upset opportunity. The altitude factor and hostile home environment should not be discounted.
Expected scenarios:
- LAFC victory (65% probability): Superior quality and form advantage
- Draw (20% probability): RSL’s home resilience and LAFC’s fixture congestion
- RSL victory (15% probability): Desperate need for points and Luna’s inspiration
Predicted Result: Real Salt Lake 1-2 LAFC
Expect LAFC’s individual quality to prove decisive, with Bouanga likely to trouble RSL’s defense while Luna provides moments of danger for the hosts.
How to Watch Real Salt Lake vs LAFC
- United States: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
- Canada: TSN / RDS (selected markets)
- International: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Kick-off Time by Region:
- Mountain Time: 19:30 MT (Local)
- Eastern Time: 21:30 EDT
- Pacific Time: 18:30 PDT
- United Kingdom: 02:30 BST (Thursday)
Real Salt Lake vs LAFC fixture represents a crucial juncture in both teams’ seasons, with playoff positioning hanging in the balance and individual brilliance potentially deciding the outcome in the challenging environment of America First Field