As the Leagues Cup reaches the round of 16, FC Los Angeles will host the Earthquakes in San Jose at BMO Stadium as their quest for silverware continues in what could be Olivier Girouds club debut. While Denis Bouanga goals have been one of the driving forces for the Black and Gold this season, he may have some decorated support alongside him atop the attack when the Frenchman sees the field.
Since Cristian Arangos Upon departure, LAFC were looking for a number 9 to take charge, but that void could be filled. Giroud agreed to join LAFC from Milan on a free transfer at the end of April, but was only able to actually join the team in early August after the end of the European season and the European Championship with France.
Now he will be available for selection. Head coach Steve Cherundolo was to the point when asked about Giroud’s status for the match, saying: “Olivier will be available [Tuesday]While that doesn’t mean he will start the match after just under two weeks of training with the Black and Gold, it does add a sense of intrigue to their match.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday August 13 | Time: 10:30 AM ET
- Location: BMO Stadium – Los Angeles, California.
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Chances: LAFC-320; Sign +450; San Jose Earthquakes +750
Storylines
LAFC: In every Leagues Cup match he has played in, Bouanga has scored or assisted a goal, so he will be called in again to ensure LAFC are the winning side, but defense will also be important. San Jose have scored eight goals in the Leagues Cup so far as they get things back on track under interim coach Ian Russell.
Team: With the current golden shoe leader on their side Jeremy Ebobissehaving scored four goals in the tournament so far, San Jose have used the Leagues Cup as a moment to forget their poor MLS form. The Quakes are at the bottom of the Western Conference, but they haven’t played like it to reach the last 16. With house money, they enter this match with freedom and try to remove the unrest.
Prediction
Despite San Jose’s good form of late, LAFC’s buzzsaw will prove to be too much, boosted mainly by Giroud’s availability. Choose: LAFC 3, San Jose 1
