Two clubs with very different MLS prospects pause their end-of-season run to contest the 2024 U.S. Open Cup final as LAFC hosts Sporting KC on Wednesday.
The historic U.S. domestic knockout competition has been under fire from MLS in recent years and saw scaled-back participation from the league’s clubs this season, but both finalists are still both from the top flight.
LAFC saw their Supporters’ Shield hopes dashed after a recent El Trafico defeat, but they are looking to finish strong near the top of the Western Conference and make noise in the MLS Cup playoffs. They are in the midst of a poor run of form, having failed to win any of their last five games since the Leagues Cup concluded, but remain one of the most talented and explosive teams in MLS.
Sporting KC, however, are stuck 11 points adrift of a playoff position and cannot qualify for the postseason with just three matches remaining, so this is their last shot at silverware for the 2024 campaign.
LAFC vs. Sporting KC live stream, TV channel
- Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
- TV channel: None
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass
The 2024 U.S. Open Cup final between LAFC and Sporting KC will be streamed exclusively on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV, available for free access to all viewers regardless of subscription status.
With the home stretch of the MLS regular season in view, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is now offering its lowest price of the season. Fans can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for just $ 9.99 to catch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season and playoffs.
What time is LAFC vs. Sporting KC kickoff?
The 2024 U.S. Open Cup final kicks off from BMO Stadium on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Los Angeles, California.
Here’s how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Sep. 25 | 10:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Sep. 25 | 9:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Sep. 25 | 8:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Sep. 25 | 7:30 p.m. |
MORE: Find out which games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV each week
LAFC vs. Sporting KC lineups & team news
Hosts LAFC are without winger Cristian Olivera due to a leg injury but have plenty of attacking firepower to make up for the 22-year-old Uruguayan’s absence.
The bigger issue is a knee injury to center-back Jesus Murillo which has sapped the LAFC back line. Either Maxime Chanot or Eddie Segura, both of whom started the weekend against FC Dallas in defeat, will be chosen to partner with Aaron Long.
With their league fate pretty much decided as the regular season winds down, manager Steve Cherundolo has clearly prioritized the U.S. Open Cup final, having rested a significant number of starters last time out, but the likes of Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and Ilie Sanchez should all return to the XI for this trophy decider.
LAFC projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Lloris (GK) — Palencia, Long, Chanot, Hollingshead — Tillman, I. Sanchez, O’Brien — Bogusz, Giroud, Bouanga.
Sporting KC boss Peter Vermes also rotated his side heavily last weekend in a loss to Minnesota United at home, resting a number of starters including forward Alan Pulido, Erik Thommy, and Johnny Russell, but they should all return.
The only injury absence for Sporting KC is defensive midfielder Nemanja Radoja, whose groin issue has forced Jake Davis to move into the middle from his usual right-back spot.
Sporting KC projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Meila (GK) — Shelton, Castellanos, Fontas, Ndenbe — M. Rodriguez, Davis — Russell, Thommy, Salloi — Pulido.
LAFC vs. Sporting KC prediction, betting odds & lines
- Score prediction: LAFC 2-3 Sporting KC
LAFC’s defensive woes have seen them falter in recent weeks as they leak goals at the back, and Sporting KC striker Alan Pulido has come on strong at the end of the season.
While Pulido’s hot streak comes too late to save Sporting KC’s postseason hopes, do not underestimate the power of a desperate team with a final chance to win silverware. LAFC have their sights set on bigger fish, while this is Sporting KC’s only chance to salvage an otherwise forgettable campaign.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| LAFC win | -230 |
| Draw | +380 |
| Sporting KC win | +500 |
| Over / Under 3.0 goals |
O: -115 U: -120 |
| Both teams to score Y / N |
Y: -145 N: +105 |
