St. Louis City Sc Stl vs Los Angeles Fc Lfc Picks and Predictions May 15th 2024

St. Louis City keeping pace in West, seek more vs. LAFC

St. Louis City SC is totally killing it a third of the way through the MLS season, and they’re hyper-aware of how every game could make or break their shot at glory. They just smashed a 3-1 win against Chicago Fire last Saturday, which stretched their unbeaten streak to five games (two wins and three draws). Now, they’re chilling in a solid ninth spot in the Western Conference. Next up, they’re facing LAFC, and it’s a big chance to climb even higher.

But even with the recent highs, St. Louis hasn’t managed back-to-back wins this season yet, something they last pulled off back in late September 2023. Their stats are a bit of a mixed bag: they lead the league with seven draws and have the fewest losses, showing they’re tough to beat but still hustling for that consistent winning vibe.

Spotlight on Joao Klauss: A Rising Star

Keep an eye on Joao Klauss, the standout player turning heads in St. Louis. He scored a duo of goals in their latest win over Chicago, bumping his total to five for the season, with four of those in just the last four games. His killer form is sparking hopes for more fireworks up front.

LAFC: Hunting for That Elusive Road Win

Over in LAFC’s camp, they’re desperate for their first win on the road this season. Positioned fifth in the Western Conference with 18 points, road games have been their Achilles’ heel—they haven’t won any of their five away matches. But don’t count them out; they’re still pretty solid overall, with a 3-1-2 record in their last six games, including a sweet 3-0 thrashing of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Cristian Olivera: On Fire

Cristian Olivera is another player who’s stepping up big time. He scored twice in their last game, doubling his season tally in MLS play. His recent upswing is a major boost for LAFC, thanks to some sharp coaching focus.

Strategic Move: Welcome, Olivier Giroud

And here’s the scoop on LAFC beefing up their squad: Olivier Giroud, a seasoned pro known for his stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan, has joined the team. His experience and knack for scoring are expected to supercharge LAFC’s attack as they push through the season.

What’s at Stake?

Historically, LAFC has had the upper hand over St. Louis with a 1-0-1 record in their face-offs. With both teams gearing up for this next clash, the stakes are mega high, and the outcome could seriously shake up the standings in a super tight Western Conference.

So, this isn’t just another game—it’s a crucial showdown that could define both teams’ paths in the 2024 MLS season. With key players hitting their stride and new talent joining the ranks, this matchup is set to be a thrill-packed, pivotal showdown. Get ready, folks—this one’s going to be epic!