LAFC Makes Playoff Debut

LAFC is once again in uncharted territory. Expansion teams in MLS aren't usually still active in the postseason, let alone host a playoff match.

On Thursday, LAFC and Real Salt Lake will play with the knowledge that the loser's season is over. The first round of the MLS Cup playoffs leaves little room for error. Both teams will be acutely aware of what's at stake.

Real Salt Lake thought their season was over. A 3-0 loss to Portland in the second to last weekend of the season meant all RSL could do was sit and pray for a lifeline. That lifeline appeared in the form of the Houston Dynamo. On the final day of the season, the Dynamo came from behind to defeat the Galaxy 3-2, qualifying RSL for the MLS Cup playoffs as the sixth seed.