Los Angeles FC top Major League Soccer’s Western Conference with 30 points after 15 matches. The Angels haven’t just been the class of the Western Conference, but they have been the pacesetters in the entire MLS.
No team has obtained as many points as Los Angeles FC after 15 matches. Sunday’s opponents, the New York Red Bulls, are playing well in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls have picked up 26 points from 16 matches.
The teams are battling it out for the MLS Supporters’ Shield, which is given to the team with the best overall points total prior to the playoffs. A win for New York on Sunday would pull them closer to the Supporters’ Shield trophy.
Los Angeles and the New York Red Bulls have played just two previous times in MLS history. In both previous matches, the home team won the game. It isn’t a great trend for the New York Red Bulls as they embark on a journey to the west coast of the United States.
New York Red Bulls go into the fixture on a run of up and down form. The Red Bulls picked up just eight points from the last 18 points on offer. New York are coming off of a 2-0 home win against Toronto FC.
Gerhard Struber’s team has been excellent on the road this season with a record of 5W-1D-2L. However, their away form has hit a bumpy patch. New York Red Bulls are winless in three straight away games, and each of the last two road matches ended in defeat.
Scottish forward Lewis Morgan leads the Red Bulls in goals with seven this season. Brazilian forward Luquinhas has bagged five goals for the Red Bulls’ cause.
Los Angeles FC may be MLS’s best team in terms of points, but they have slipped up in recent matches. The Angels took eight points from the last 18 points on offer in MLS. They are unbeaten in three straight games and are coming off of a 1-1 draw away to Seattle Sounders.
Steve Cherundolo’s team has a home record of 5W-2D-1L this season. Los Angeles FC have scored 18 home goals and conceded nine times. Mexican international Carlos Vela leads the side in goals with six. Vela has been battling a slight injury and is a doubt to play versus New York.
Los Angeles FC should continue the trend of the home team winning when these teams meet. The Angels should post a 3-1 win to continue their strong home form.