Los Angeles FC will welcome New York City FC this Saturday at BMO Stadium on matchday 2 of MLS 2025.
LAFC opened their campaign on a high, edging out Minnesota 1-0, with Jeremy Ebobisse scoring the winner. They also followed up with a 1-0 win over Colorado in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round, progressing to the next round on away goals despite losing the 1st leg 2-1.
Steve Cherundolo’s side will head into the weekend’s tie with momentum on their side and will try to get the better of New York City FC.
NYCFC had a near-perfect start to their MLS Campaign after securing a 2-2 draw against last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami FC. The Pigeons could have easily bagged three points but failed to protect a 2-1 lead against a 10-man Miami side, who netted an equaliser in the closing minutes.
However, New York’s ability to soak up pressure and hit the opponents on the break could spell danger for LAFC.
The Pigeons were known for their late revival during the 2024 season, when they, despite finishing sixth in the regular season, reached the semi-finals of the play-offs before bowing out against New York Red Bulls.
Determined to replicate a similar run this season, New York will be looking to open their account against LAFC.
LAFC vs New York City FC – Team News
LAFC couldn’t avail themselves of the services of Maxime Chanot, Lorenzo Dellavale, and Odine Holm on Matchday 1 due to injury concerns, and their involvement in the game against New York City FC remains uncertain.
Back-to-back saves from Hugo Lloris against @ClubAmerica ❌❌
Our Save of the Month for February 🧤#LAFC | @Zelle pic.twitter.com/cAKHQ3MOiC
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 28, 2025
New York City FC will be without the services of Malachi Jones as he continues to improve his match fitness.
LAFC vs New York City FC – Predicted lineups
Predicted LAFC XI: Hugo Lloris, Sergi Palencia, Marlon Santos, Aaron Long, Eddie Segura, Marco Delgado, Igor Jesus, Timothy Tillman, David Martinez, Denis Bouanga
Predicted New York City FC XI: Matt Freese; Mitja Ilenic, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Keaton Parks, Andres Perea; Hannes Wolf, Moralez, Agustin Ojeda; Alonso Martinez
LAFC vs New York City FC – Key Players
David Martinez (LAFC)
Venezuelan prodigy David Martinez put in a stupendous performance in the Champions Cup win against Colorado Rapids, which saw him bag the player of the match award. The 19-year-old showed the world how immensely talented he is during his breakout campaign last year and could grow by leaps and bounds this season. Martinez is one of the exciting young talents to keep an eye on in MLS this term, and he will be a major threat to New York City’s defence in many ways.
Alonso Martinez (New York City FC)
Alonso Martinez picked up from where he left off last season, finding the score sheet in the curtain-raiser against Inter Miami while also setting up Ilenic’s goal. Miami defenders found Martinez too hot to handle due to his menacing presence in the final third, superior hold-up and link-up play, and the ability to make runs behind the last line of defence. The Costa Rican will again look to cause problems for LAFC’s defence.
LAFC vs New York City FC – Where to watch?
The MLS game between LAFC and New York City FC can be live-streamed via Apple TV.
Prediction: LAFC 2-1 New York City FC