On Sunday night, in BMO Stadium, a new era in the history of soccer in California will start when Los Angeles FC and San Diego FC play. It is also the second encounter between the two teams in Major League Soccer, and San Diego had won the first one 3-2 in the first part of this year. The two teams are in good positions to start the game with San Diego leading the Western Conference with 53 points, and LAFC being in 5th place with 41.
It is an intense match-up. San Diego have not lost in their previous four league matches, and LAFC have not lost in five. Both teams will be playing compact football and will attack with the help of pace, so margins will be thin.
How to Watch
For fans in the United States, the match will stream live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 pm ET (4:45 pm PT) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. International viewers may need a VPN to access streams depending on regional restrictions.
Happy Sonday. Watch LAFC vs. San Diego FC tonight on #MLSSeasonPass. pic.twitter.com/1RZ3w9vmr1
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) August 31, 2025
Team News: LAFC Adjustments
Los Angeles FC come into the game with fitness and suspension issues. Aaron Long remains out with an Achilles injury, while Jeremy Ebobisse and Lorenzo Dellavalle are also unavailable. Veteran defender Maxime Chanot has retired after failing to recover from a head injury, and Ryan Hollingshead is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
On a brighter note, Son Heung-min opened his MLS account last weekend with a well-taken goal, underlining his impact since joining from Tottenham. Denis Bouanga continues to be a key figure in attack, with 44 team goals scored this season highlighting LAFC’s firepower.
San Diego’s Defensive Steel
San Diego FC bring with them one of the league’s standout goalkeepers. Carlos Joaquim Dos Santos secured his ninth clean sheet of the season against Portland, ranking him second in MLS. Despite a heavy injury list that includes Marcus Ingvartsen, Oscar Verhoeven, and William Kumado, head coach Mikey Varas has kept his team compact and efficient.
Replacements Franco Negri, Luca de la Torre, Corey Baird, and Hirving Lozano were all handed starts against Portland and delivered enough to maintain the club’s top spot. With 52 goals scored and only 33 conceded, San Diego are proving they can adapt even under pressure.
Form Guide and Key Battles
Both sides carry strong form into this clash. LAFC drew 1-1 at Dallas after beating New England away, while San Diego held Portland before a string of three straight wins. The last head-to-head ended 3-2 to San Diego, showing their ability to punish mistakes quickly.
The duel between Son Heung-min and San Diego’s Luca Bombino could define the attacking rhythm. In midfield, Marky Delgado and Onni Valakari will compete for control, while Dos Santos in goal faces one of his toughest nights of the campaign.
Stakes in the Standings
For LAFC, victory keeps them in the playoff mix and closes the gap on the top four. For San Diego, a win strengthens their hold on first place and pushes them closer to a Supporters’ Shield bid in their debut season.
Both teams have the quality to win, but only one will take bragging rights in this all-California battle. Expect goals, intensity, and a crowd ready to push their team over the line.
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Sagnik Banerjee