LAFC vs Alajuelense Predictions and Best Odds for March 9th, 2023

– Los Angeles FC kickoff their 2023 Concacaf Champions League run tonight at 7:00 PM PT against L.D. Alajuelense of Costa Rica at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. The second leg will be back in Los Angeles next week on March 15. LAFC had their opening game at the Rose Bowl postponed, so they’ve played just one competitive game so far, a 3-2 win against Portland Timbers. Can the defending MLS Cup Champions avoid a slip up against Alajuelense and make a run at CCL?

LAFC vs Alajuelense Predictions for March 9th, 2023

How LAFC Qualified

LAFC qualified for Champions League as both the 2022 MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup Champion. This is their second time in Champions League. Off winning the Shield in their second season, they made the final of the truncated 2020 iteration of the tournament, losing to 2-1 after taking the lead in the 61st minute. The 2022 LAFC team is one of the best in MLS history. They were star-studded with Carlos Vela and Cristian Arango up top. Their midfield had now World Cup veteran Kellyn Acosta and José Cifuentes. They bolstered their team in the summer with Giorgio Chiellini and the now retired Gareth Bale. They didn’t get raided by Europe this winter and other than Arango’s departure, they’re as good as last year. This team could be the start of a dynasty if they can win Champions League. The lack of experience in the normal version of this tournament could be a concern. COVID-19 impacted the quarterfinals and beyond in 2020.

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