After a decisive 3-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field in the last round of MLS matches, Los Angeles FC now turn their attention to Club Tijuana of Liga MX. This clash marks the opening match of the 2024 Leagues Cup group stage, which will take place at BMO Stadium. The away win in Seattle kept LAFC (14V-5D-5E) firmly in second place in the Western Conference, amassing 47 points from 24 matches and ensuring good momentum heading into the Leagues Cup break.
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The match against Club Tijuana also marks a reunion with old challenges. LAFC, who had an impressive campaign in the last edition, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by CF Monterrey. Now, with a thirst for revenge and a sharp squad, the Black & Gold are ready to redeem themselves.
Club Tijuana are looking for redemption after a disappointing performance in last year's tournament, where they finished bottom of their group with defeats to Philadelphia Union and Querétaro FC. Los Xolos scored just one goal in those two matches, a performance they want to forget and overcome in this new challenge. In the context of the Liga MX Apertura 2024, Club Tijuana are in eighth place with seven points from four matches. They started the season well, beating Querétaro FC and CD Guadalajara, but struggled in the following matches, with a heavy defeat to Cruz Azul (3-0) and a draw against Atlético de San Luis (1-1).
Under the leadership of former Mexican national team coach Juan Carlos Osorio, Club Tijuana are determined to reverse their recent setbacks. Osorio, who brings vast experience and a refined tactical vision, faces the mission of taking the Xolos back to the top after years of absence from the Liga MX postseason since 2019.
The Xolos attack is led by Raúl Zúñiga and Domingo Blanco, each with two goals this season. However, facing a team like LAFC, especially away from home, will be no easy task. Tijuana's defense will need to be alert and organized to contain LAFC's lethal duo of Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz. Bouanga and Bogusz have been responsible for 29 of LAFC's 48 goals in MLS matches, a clear indication of their importance and impact on the team.
Bogusz, in particular, has been a revelation, contributing 15 goals (10 goals and five assists) in his last 13 MLS games. His extraordinary form is a crucial factor in the success of LAFC, which holds an impressive 10-1-2 record in that period. For Club Tijuana, neutralizing this duo will be essential to having any chance of success.
In addition, Club Tijuana has the talents of Paraguayan international Carlos González, who has yet to score this season. After an outstanding campaign in the 2023-2024 Clausura and Apertura seasons, where he scored 13 goals, the expectation is that González will rediscover his form and contribute significantly to the Xolos' attack.
The geographical proximity between LAFC's BMO Stadium and Club Tijuana's Estadio Caliente adds an extra layer of rivalry to the clash. They are less than 150 miles apart, and this proximity leads to a natural exchange of fans who attend matches in both markets. This regional context fuels the rivalry, especially considering that both clubs' youth academies compete for some of the same talent.
LAFC go into this match on a positive run, losing just once in their last 13 MLS games. This run of form, coupled with their desire for revenge and the quality of their squad, puts the Black & Gold as favorites. However, Club Tijuana, under the new leadership of Osorio, are determined to make an impact and reverse their fortunes.