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Published on Sep, 25 2024
It's time for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final where Los Angeles FC have made the first Open Cup final in club history, but will be facing off against Sporting Kansas City who are chasing their fifth title, which would make them the first MLS team to do so. Both sides enter with contrasting form as LAFC are chasing the top spot in the Western Conference and Sporting will likely miss out on the playoffs. Despite the team declining in recent seasons under Peter Vermes, this cup final is a chance to salvage something from what has been a tough season.
LAFC: After losing their last three finals, this is the time for the Black and Gold to end that streak under Steve Cherundolo. LAFC have been able to score at will via Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz, but they haven't looked like the same side when the lights shine the brightest. After adding Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud to their ranks, that could be enough to power the Black and Gold to victory, especially when playing in front of their home fans. But, Vermes will have his side well prepared.
Sporting Kansas City: Focus has been the issue for Sporting, who are just as likely to score five goals on a team as they are to concede five. So far, when it comes to this tournament, they're locked in. Appearing in four Open Cup finals in club history, they've won all four and even won two of three MLS Cup finals that they've appeared in. Simply put, when Sporting Kansas City is in a cup final, they usually win. The stakes will be higher facing LAFC but that's what should help make this an exciting tie between two Western Conference sides.
Sporting's success in cup finals will continue with Alan Pulido opening the scoring early and the team capitalizing when LAFC has to open their defense up to chase the match. Pick: LAFC 2, Sporting Kansas City 3
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