LAFC and Philadelphia Union continue to fight for the Supporters’ Shield
Both teams have a total of 64 points with two regular season games left to define the winner of the 2022 Supporters’ Shield.
Los Angeles Football Club and the Philadelphia Union are the only two teams fighting to win the 2022 Supporters’ Shield this campaign. Both teams have picked up a total of 64 points and there are only two games remaining. LAFC had a dominant performance over the weekend in a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo, with Carlos Vela scoring a brace to secure the much needed three points.
Los Angeles FC have struggled in the last stretch of the season because they have only won two of the last seven games, but have been unstoppable when playing at home. LAFC extended their home winning streak to nine and they have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference ahead of the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs.
“Our focus is always on the next game, and it has been the entire season, and I think that is the best way to deal with situations like this,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said on Sunday. “There are two games left. I think it’s very clear that if you win both games, we know what happens. But if we don’t win, we don’t know what will happen.”
Two games remaining in battle for Supporters’ Shield
On the other hand, Philadelphia Union dropped two points over the weekend in a 0-0 draw with Atlanta United thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Andre Blake. Philly have not clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference because they have a five point lead over CF Montréal with two games remaining.
LAFC and the Union did secure a spot in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League. If both teams end the season with the same amount of points, Los Angeles FC will claim their second Shield in franchise history because they have two more wins than the Union.
What is next for both teams?
The ‘Black & Gold’ will return to action after the FIFA international break to play on the road against Portland on 2 October and seven days later they will return to the Banc of California Stadium to host Nashville SC. Meanwhile, the Union will go on the road to play Charlotte FC on 1 October and conclude the campaign at home against Toronto FC.