Two clubs with very different MLS hopes suspend their end-of-season race to compete in the 2024 US Open Cup final as LAFC hosts Sporting KC on Wednesday.
The historic US knockout competition has come under fire in MLS in recent years and has seen participation from the league’s clubs reduced this season, but the two finalists are still both from the elite.
LAFC saw their Supporters’ Shield hopes dashed after a recent loss at El Trafico, but they are looking to finish strong near the top of the Western Conference and make some noise in the MLS Cup playoffs. They are in the midst of a poor run of form, having won none of their last five games since the conclusion of the Leagues Cup, but remain one of the most talented and explosive teams in MLS.
Sporting KC, however, are stuck 11 points out of a playoff position and cannot qualify for the playoffs with just three matches remaining, so this is their last chance to secure the silverware for the 2024 campaign.
Live Stream LAFC vs Sporting KC, TV Channel
- Date: Wednesday September 25, 2024
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
- TV channel: None
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass
The 2024 US Open Cup final between LAFC and Sporting KC will be broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, available for free access to all viewers, regardless of subscription status.
With the home stretch of the MLS regular season in sight, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV now offers its lowest price of the season. Fans can sign up for an MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 to watch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup Playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a free MLS Season Pass subscription for the remainder of the 2024 season and the playoffs.
What time does LAFC vs. Sporting KC kick off?
The 2024 US Open Cup Final will begin at BMO Stadium on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Los Angeles, California.
Here is how this time translates according to time zones in North America:
| Date | Kick-off time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed September 25 | 10:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed September 25 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed September 25 | 8:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed September 25 | 7:30 p.m. |
LAFC vs Sporting KC Lineups and Team News
Host LAFC is without a winger Christian Olivera due to a leg injury, but they have enough offensive firepower to compensate for the absence of the 22-year-old Uruguayan.
Biggest problem is central defender’s knee injury Jesus Murillo which undermined the LAFC backline. Either Maxime Chanot Or Eddie Segurawho both started the weekend against FC Dallas with a loss, will be chosen to partner with Aaron Long.
With the fate of their championship all but decided as the regular season draws to a close, manager Steve Cherundolo has clearly prioritized the US Open Cup final, having rested a significant number of starters the last time, but players like Denis Bouanga, Olivier GiroudAnd Ilie Sánchez should all return to the XI for this trophy decision.
LAFC projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Long, Chanot, Hollingshead — Tillman, I. Sanchez, O’Brien — Bogusz, Giroud, Bouanga.
Sporting KC boss Peter Vermes also rotated his team heavily last weekend in a loss to Minnesota United at home, resting a number of starters including the striker. Alan Pulido, Erik ThommyAnd Johnny Russellbut they should all come back.
Sporting KC’s only injury absence is defensive midfielder Nemanja Radojawhose groin problem forced Jake Davis to move into the middle from his usual right-back spot.
Sporting KC’s projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Meila (GK) — Shelton, Castellanos, Fontas, Ndenbe — M. Rodriguez, Davis — Russell, Thommy, Salloi — Pulido.
LAFC vs. Sporting KC predictions, odds and betting lines
- Score prediction: LAFC 2-3 Sporting KC
LAFC’s defensive woes saw them falter in recent weeks as they lost goals at the back, and Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido came on strong late in the season.
Even if Pulido’s streak comes too late to save Sporting KC’s playoff hopes, don’t underestimate the power of a desperate team with one last chance to win silverware. LAFC is aiming for bigger fish, while this is Sporting KC’s only chance to salvage an otherwise forgettable campaign.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| LAFC victory | -230 |
| Draw | +380 |
| Victory for Sporting KC | +500 |
| More / Less Objectives 3.0 |
W: -115 U: -120 |
| The two teams mark Y/N |
Y: -145 N: +105 |
