Los Angeles FC defeated Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference Final at the Banc of California Stadium on Sunday. This decisive victory hands the Black and Gold a spot in the MLS Cup final; the first in the club’s history.
“Our guys did an emphatic job,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo exclaimed, adding, “That was the best I have seen implementing our match play from the beginning to the end. I’m very proud of the guys, but what I experienced in the locker room was hunger and a want for more.”
LAFC grabbed asserted their dominance over Austin from early on in the first half, with Cristian Arango heading home from a Carlos Vela corner in the 29th minute. The team doubled its lead in the 62nd minute, with Carlos Vela whipping in another dangerous corner, this time resulting in a Maximiliano Urruti own goal. In the 81st minute, LAFC put the final nail in the coffin as Kwadwo Opoku came off the bench to seal his team’s third goal.
The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners and top seeds in the MLS playoff now wait to play Philadelphia Union, who defeated New York City winner of the Eastern Conference Final, set to be contested by Philadelphia Union and New York City FC. The winner will face the Black and Gold in the MLS Cup Final on Saturday.
