Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC - Concacaf Champions League Preview: TV Channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Alex Windley
LAFC have the 3-0 edge on the Vancouver Whitecaps as both teams head into the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday at BMO Stadium.
Vancouver will have a steep deficit to overturn after losing the first leg 3-0. Though it will be extraordinarily difficult, the Whitecaps will have to fight hard to get back into the tie. On the flip side, LAFC will want to put the game to bed early and look to clinch their spot in the semi-final.
Where to watch Vancouver Whitecap vs LAFC on TV/live stream
When is kick off? Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, 10:25 PM EST
Where is the match being played? BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California, United States
TV channel/live stream? Fox Sports 1
What time does TV coverage start? 10:15PM EST
Vancouver Whitecaps team news
Vancouver is coming into this game with a massive hill to climb.
The previous match between the two sides ended quite lopsided, with Vancouver getting beat 3-0 thanks to goals from LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Kwadwo Opoku. However, the Whitecaps do have quality in their front line and will push to get something out of the match.
Ryan Gauld, who is Vancouver’s midfield maestro, will spearhead the team as they look to overcome the three-goal lead LAFC has and Simon Becher who is excellent form at the moment.
However, the potential comeback will be without several players.
Midfielder Andres Cubas is out until mid-May with a shoulder injury, attacking midfielder Alessandro Schopf is still working his way back from a hamstring injury, playing with the Whitecaps’ MLS Next Pro side, and Sergio Cordova will also be out with a hamstring injury until late April.
LAFC team news
LAFC will look to get to the semi-finals of the competition for the second time in club history.
The first leg went in their favor, scoring three goals against a shaky Whitecaps defense. Denis Bouanga is in fine form and will be looking to add to LA’s aggregate goal. With the short turnaround between this match and their MLS games, LA may also rotate their starting eleven.
Carlos Vela, Ilie Sanchez, Erik Duenas, and Ryan Holinshead may get significant playing time, seeing as though they all had limited time on the field during LA’s win vs. Austin FC over the weekend.
They will still be without defender Tony Leone (leg) and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (leg.)
Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC score prediction
The draw is pretty much done and dusted to LAFC. Not only are they playing at home, but they have an in-form striker in Bouanga who is itching to score more goals. They’ll also have a home-field advantage playing at BMO Field and their supporters, the 3252 behind them, every step of the way.
While Vancouver will put up a hard-fought match, it’s probably too much of an ask for them to overturn a 3-0 deficit away from home.
LAFC 3-0 Vancouver Whitecaps