LAFC vs Real Salt Lake summary, score, goals, highlights | MLS
LAFC vs Real Salt Lake: Live blog
Chicho Arango goal secures Real Salt Lake win over former club
LAFC started off on the front foot and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening 45 minutes. There were half chances for Denis Bouanga and Timothy Tillman but the hosts struggled to make any clear openings.
The game continued in a similar vein after the break, with LAFC starting to gain momentum. It looked like the hosts might finally break their three-game scoring drought, but it was a former LAFC star who found the back of the net.
Arango, wearing the armband on his return to BMO Stadium, powered home a brilliant far-post header to give his side the lead.
RSL were content to hold onto their one-goal advantage in the remaining 15 minutes and they did so with relatively little fuss. They leapfrog LAFC and move into second place in the table, consigning the MLS Cup holders to a fourth consecutive game without scoring.
Statement win for Real Salt Lake as they leapfrog LAFC
It wasn't always pretty, but Real Salt Lake got the job done at BMO Stadium and climb up to second in the MLS Western Conference.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeep
Full time at BMO Stadium and it's the visitors who come away with all three points!
A night to remember for game-winner Chicho Arango and one to forget for his former side LAFC.
So close! LAFC
Bouanga hurls the ball into the penalty box and nearly catches McMath out. The RSL keeper manages to tip the ball over the crossbar and it looks like they have done enough for a famous victory here!
Last throw of the dice for LAFC now as Bouanga drops deep to pick up possession. He skips past a challenge before losing the ball, but the referee pulls it back for an earlier foul. LAFC with the chance to deliver now...
The hosts win a corner and the loose ball falls to Bogusz on the end of the box. He takes a swing from distance but his effort is blocked and bounces harmlessly through to McMath in the RSL goal.
LAFC are struggling to get anything going here, aside from a few hopeful balls lofted into the box. The home crowd are still in good voice but time is running out now.
There will be seven minutes of added time at BMO Stadium. That's roused the home crowd!
The free kick is wasted and RSL have the opportunity to break on their tired opponents. Their attack breaks down and LAFC are back on the front foot.
Bouanga looks to run at the defence but RSL stay strong.
Palacio (Real Salt Lake)
The defender is booked for his troubles.
Foul from Palacio gives LAFC a free kick on the left, roughly 40 yards from goal. A golden opportunity for LAFC to get the ball in the box.
LAFC are sliding towards a fourth consecutive game with scoring a goal. They have dominated possession tonight but have struggled to fashion many clear-cut chances. Bouanga has looked dangerous but they have had very little creativity from the midfield.
Chance! LAFC
There's a decent opening for LAFC as the ball is worked to Carlos Vela on the edge of the box. The Mexican looks to curl the ball into the far corner but it goes well over the crossbar.
We're into the final ten minutes now but LAFC are struggling to generate any real momentum. RSL have dropped back and LAFC's pacey forwards are not getting the space to run in behind.
Here's that crucial breakthrough goal from Chicho Arango. The former LAFC man comes back to haunt his former club and set his team on their way to a vital away victory.
For LAFC, Palencia comes on to replace Hollingshead.
RSL make another change and it's their captain, Arango, who departs. He is replaced by Musovski.
That Real Salt Lake goal catapults them up to second place in the Western Conference, overtaking LAFC in the process. Both teams still have three games remaining after this fixture but it could be a crucial result when it comes to those all-important playoff placings.
That goal has dimmed the atmosphere slightly but LAFC are on the attack once again. It's difficult to know what more Steve Cherundolo can change, but they have 20 minutes to save this game.
Wearing the armband tonight, Chicho Arango has been in a real battle against LAFC. He has sustained a number of knocks and worked tirelessly off the ball, but he still had the quality to finish his chance when it arrived.
The goal came from nothing. Brody whipped in a ball from the right and Arango did brilliantly to direct his header past Crepau.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Chicho Arango
It just had to be, the former LAFC man scores on his return to Los Angeles! It was a brilliant header from the Colombian forward to nod his side into the lead.
LAFC 0-1 Real Salt Lake
Chance! LAFC
Bouanga picks up the ball in the box and rolls it back to Bogusz, but his right-footed shot is blocked in the six-yard box. It's another decent opening for the hosts.
Brilliant from LAFC as Bouanga and Vela combine to spark a rapid counter-attack. Real Salt Lake look exposed for a moment but they get numbers back to stem the tide.
Double change for the visitors as Chang and Rubio come on to replace Luna and Gomez.
Matteusz Bogusz (LAFC)
The LAFC midfielder gives away a foul in the middle of the pitch and boots the ball away in frustration.
That'll be a booking for the former Leeds United man.
There's movement on the bench as Real Salt Lake look to make their first substitutions of the bench. It will be interesting to see if they look to secure things with an extra midfielder, or go for a like-for-like swap.
Arango does well to draw a foul on the right flank, giving his team a chance to deliver from wide. The delivery is poor and ends up in the arms of Crepau.
Ordaz comes on for LAFC to replace Olivera. Big chance for the youngster here.
Timothy TIlman (LAFC)
The LAFC midfielder gets a yellow card for a mistimed challenge. A touch harsh, perhaps.
Both teams have been up for the battle in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Tackles have been flying in and they've been looking to hit their opponents on the break whenever possible.
Chicho Arango (Real Salt Lake)
Painful one for Arango as he takes a stud on the boot from Long. The RSL captain is furious with the tackle but the referee waves away calls for a foul.
Arango is now receiving treatment.
Cristian Olivera (LAFC)
McMath will be ok to continue but there's a booking for the LAFC forward for his role in the incident.
Zac McMath (Real Salt Lake)
Concern for the visitors as their goalkeeper goes down
after a collision in the box. He's down holding his head and is receiving treatment.
Close! LAFC
A corner kick for LAFC is cleared to the edge of the box, when Denis Bouanga is lurking.
The LAFC striker catches the ball sweetly on the volley but McMath is equal to the effort.
LAFC are starting to grow back into the game and are attacking towards the vocal 3252 supporters' section in this half. Can that fervent support force a breakthrough for the hosts?
Gomez (Real Salt Lake)
The RSL midfielder is booked for a clumsy challenge in the middle of the pitch.
RSL are on the attack again and seem to have acres of space in the middle of the pitch.
The attack breaks down and LAFC set Bouanga free on the left flank. He runs at Glad but can't quite get his shot away. Ball deflected out for a LAFC corner.
Close! Real Salt Lake
Two chances for quick succession for the visitors, both saved by Crepau!
The first fell to Arango, before Luna volleyed the rebound goalward from the edge of the box. The LAFC goalkeeper was equal to them both, but that's a positive start from RSL.
And we're back!
Real Salt Lake get the second half underway in Los Angeles.
Dwayne Wade in the house at BMO Stadium!
Former basketball star and three-time NBA champion Dwayne Wade is in attendance to watch his Real Salt Lake take on the MLS Cup holders. Last year it was announced the the NBA Hall of Famer would be joining the team's ownership group.
More woes in front of goal for LAFC
Last season LAFC fired their way to the MLS Cup with one of the most exciting and dynamic attacks in the league. In recent weeks they appear to have lost their scoring touch and are now more than 300 minutes since their last goal.
They have drawn their previous three fixtures 0-0. Can they find the all-important breakthrough today?
That's half time at BMO Stadium in a fascinating opening 45 minutes. LAFC have enjoyed most of the ball but, as has been the case in recent games, they have not managed to find the crucial breakthrough.
Not long to go until the break and RSL win a free kick on the half way line.
Chicho Arango does well to hold the ball up and charge forward down the left, before being dispossessed.
Real Salt Lake haven't had much of the ball today but they have not allowed the hosts to dominate the match. The attacking duo of Arango and Savarino have denied LAFC space on the halfway line and made things difficult for the backline.
There will be three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Ilie (LAFC)
The LAFC midfielder is booked for a late challenge in the middle of the pitch. Few arguments from the Spaniard.
LAFC are really pushing for a goal before the break but RSL are standing strong. Before today, LAFC's previous three games have finished 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes.
Can they find a breakthrough here?
Close! LAFC
A terrible mix-up in the RSL midfield allows LAFC to break with Vela and Bouanga. Vela plays the ball through to Bouanga, who cuts inside from a tight angle but his left-footed shot curls just wide of the far post.
Still 0-0. Half time approaches at BMO Stadium.
Free kick to LAFC, around 30 yards from the RSL goal. It's right of centre and Carlos Vela lifts a cross into the box, RSL clear the ball for an LAFC corner.
He was keen to give it some more time but Kellyn Acosta is withdrawn due to injury. Mateusz Bogusz comes on in his place.
Acosta is back on the field for the hosts but is moving a little gingerly. Let's see if he can make it to the half.
Acosta (LAFC)
The LAFC midfielder is down on the halfway line and will receive treatment.
It's not quite clear what's happened, but Bogusz is being readied on the touchline.
Brilliant play from Bouanga who skips clear of a defender on the right flank. He passes the ball in-field to Vela but the Mexican can't bring the ball under his spell.
The ball falls to Olivera who fires in a shot from range that is comfortably saved.
Chance! Real Salt Lake
First sight at goal for the visitors and the chance falls to Savarino. The RSL striker picks up a loose ball in the box and does well to swivel and make space for himself.
He gets his shot away but LAFC get bodies back to block the shot.
A flurry of good chances has got the home crowd on their feet! LAFC are starting to get on top now, but RSL are continuing to make life difficult for the MLS Cup holders.
More good play from LAFC as Vela looks to slip the ball through to Bouanga in the penalty box. Bouanga can't quite bring the ball under control and it skids through to the RSL goalkeeper.
Close! LAFC
Nearly an opener for Denis Bouanga with a brilliant free kick. The LAFC forward whips a right-footed effort from the edge of the box but McMath is there to palm it wide.
Brilliant play from Denis Bouanga as he skips past two RSL players in the middle of the pitch. He finds Palacio in space on the left but the full back's cross is comfortably cleared.
Twenty minutes played at BMO Stadium.
Chance! LAFC
First chance of the game and it falls to Timothy Tilman! The LAFC midfielder has a free header just 8 yards from goal but his effort goes well over the crossbar.
A bit of a let-off for RSL.
Free kick for LAFC as Vela is hacked down by Vera, roughly 35 yards from the Real Salt Lake goal. A chance to clip the ball forward for the hosts...
Vela delivers and the ball is poked out for a LAFC corner kick.
Acosta does well to stamp out a burgeoning RSL counter-attack on the halfway line. His ability to prevent the break could be crucial tonight.
It's been a decent start for both sides. The hosts have dominated the ball but Real Salt Lake have denied them any real openings.
The game has been played along the LAFC backline for much of the opening 15 minutes.
Penalty?!
Huge appeals for a penalty from LAFC as the ball cannons off the arm of Vera in his own box.
VAR has a quick look, but decides against any further review. No penalty, we continue...
Real Salt Lake get it cleared but LAFC reclaim on the halfway line. The hosts are back in possession.
LAFC win a corner kick and Carlos Vela trots over to take it from the left. A chance to deliver for the hosts...
A glimmer of a chance for Christian Olivera as the LAFC winger looks to latch onto a loose ball. RSL defender Brody just gets to it first and manages to play the ball back to McMath to collect.
RSL are looking tough to break down in their rigid 4-4-2 out-of-possession. Their attacking pairing of Arango and Savarino are working hard from the start to prevent LAFC building the play from the back.
Interesting point to note: former LAFC striker Chicho Arango is wearing the captain's armband for RSL tonight, against the team with whom he won MLS Cup last year!
It'll be fascinating to see if that added responsibility affects his game today.
It's an exciting start to tonight's action with the LAFC 3252 section in good voice behind the goal.
The hosts enjoy the lion's share of the early possession, with Acosta playing as the deepest midfielder to help dictate the play.
And we're off!
LAFC captain Carlos Vela gets us started at BMO Stadium.
Steve Cherundolo looks very relaxed on the touchline as kick-off approaches. The MLS Cup holders were beaten by Mexican side Tigres last week but LAFC have the opportunity to bounce back now with victory over RSL.
The teams are out in Los Angeles
There's not long to go now! Both teams are out on the pitch and the atmosphere is good at BMO Stadium for this meeting of two of the best sides in the West. Hosts LAFC can secure a playoff spot with a win tonight, while victory for Real Salt Lake would see they overtake LAFC in the standings.
It's all to play for!
There's less than ten minutes to go until kick-off at BMO Stadium and the LAFC faithful are making themselves heard. They welcome a Real Salt Lake side who have struggled on the road in recent weeks but have Savarino and Arango leading the line.
Real Salt Lake will look to win it on the break
"They make it extremely difficult, they like to get numbers around the ball and then get forward quickly."
"But we have great attacking players and I think we can expose their back line if we attack with pace and with quality."
Can Carlos Vela be a difference-maker for LAFC tonight?
The 34-year-old LAFC captain has not been at his best this season, but he has the quality to make the difference for his side. The Mexican forward has nine goals and ten assists in 30 MLS appearances this years, an impressive return on paper.
He lifted the MLS Cup for his team last year and will be desperate to lead them to another title this season.
LAFC vs Real Salt Lake team news
Here's how the two sides line up this evening, a good opportunity to see two of the West's strongest teams go head-to-head before the playoffs.
Christian Arango starts for Real Salt Lake!
Confirmation that former LAFC star Christian 'Chicho' Arango starts for Real Salt Lake tonight. The Colombian striker enjoyed huge success during his 18-month spell in Los Angeles and now returns with RSL.
Full Real Salt Lake team news to come very shortly...
Here's the LAFC starting XI...
Steve Cherundolo is looking to bounce back from the midweek loss to Tigres and has named a full-strength lineup to take on Real Salt Lake this evening. Captain Carlos Vela leads the line, flanked by youngster Christian Olivera and MLS MVP candidate Denis Bouanga.
Christian 'Chicho' Arango returns to Los Angeles
Less than a year ago Christian Arango was leading the line for LAFC as the clinched the MLS Cup in dramatic circumstances. A year on, he is looking to prevent his former team retaining their title.
The Colombian striker scored 30 goals in 51 matches for LAFC, impressing for Steve Cherundolo's side during his 18 months with the club. Off that back of that incredible form he secured a lucrative move to Mexican side Pachuca, but moved back to MLS after just a few months. Over the summer he signed for Real Salt Lake and is already proving a key player for his new team.
There's 45 minutes to go until kick-off at BMO Stadium as LAFC host Real Salt Lake in a fascinating MLS clash. We will be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch or stream the match wherever you are.
Here's everything you need to know to watch or stream online LAFC vs Real Salt Lake...
Real Salt Lake kitted out in 'beehive jersey'
Tonight's visitors will be sporting their bold away jersey, often referred to as the beehive kit. The design is a nod to home state Utah, which is known as the The Beehive State.
Steve Cherundolo has full squad for RSL clash
As we approach the end of the MLS regular season many teams are suffering the consequences of a long campaign. However LAFC have reached this point with very few first team players out of contention. Only summer signing Mario González is a potential doubt for the game, meaning that Cherundolo is expected to name a strong team.
We'll have team news from BMO Stadium shortly...
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MLS has released figures for shirt sales across 2023 and LAFC captain Carlos Vela is in the top five most-sold. There are three Seattle Sounders players in the top ten; no prizes for guessing who ranks number one in the league...
Preparations underway in Los Angeles
BMO Stadium is the venue for tonight's MLS clash between LAFC and Real Salt Lake. The two teams are just two points apart in the Western Conference and both will be looking to secure a favourably seeding in the MLS playoffs.
A victory tonight could be crucial with just three games still to play.
It's Carlos Vela Bobblehead Night!
As was advertised by the club in recent days, thousands of LAFC fans will be leaving BMO Stadium with a special gift tonight. The first 10,000 supporters through the door will receive a special figurine of club captain Carlos Vela. Let's see if the former Mexican international can mark the occasion with a goal.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you full live coverage from LAFC vs Real Salt Lake. The MLS regular season is drawing to a close but there's still plenty to play for with home advantage still to be decided.
LAFC were beaten by Mexican side Tigres in the Campeones Cup last week, but will be hoping to bounce back against Real Salt Lake tonight.