Real Salt Lake try to solve LAFC in home opener

Los Angeles FC will aim to continue their recent dominance of Real Salt Lake on Saturday afternoon when the clubs reconvene in Sandy, Utah.

LAFC is 13-3 all-time versus Real Salt Lake. LAFC recorded convincing shutout victories by three- and four-goal margins last season before Real Salt Lake gained a measure of revenge with a 1-0 decision over LAFC on Oct. 1.

LAFC (1-0-0, 2 points) remained undefeated in their past seven season-opening matches following a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders last Saturday. Timothy Tillman scored just before halftime and Mateusz Bogusz netted the eventual match-winning goal in spectacular fashion during the 55th minute.

Omar Campos had a hand -- make that foot -- in the first goal, as the 21-year-old Mexican international's left-footed cross set up Tillman at the far post.

"Yeah, a great debut," LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said of Campos. "It's exactly what we had hoped for from Omar. He's technically very clean, if not perfect. Offensively, I think he gives us more than we've been used to in the final third, and he has some pace as well."

Reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga totaled three goals in the two LAFC victories over Real Salt Lake last season.

Chicho Arango scored the lone goal -- against his former team, no less -- in Real Salt Lake's 1-0 win over LAFC last season. He scored 30 of his 36 career MLS goals with LAFC from 2021-22.

Arango also tallied in the 74th minute off an assist from newcomer Matt Crooks last Saturday, however Real Salt Lake (0-1-1, 1 point) allowed the equalizer five minutes later in a 1-1 draw versus St. Louis.

Crooks wasted little time turning his attention to Real Salt Lake's home opener versus LAFC.

"Hopefully we can make it a bit of a fortress," said Crooks, who was acquired by Real Salt Lake from English second-division side Middlesbrough.