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MLS on the verge of crowning its Dream Team: LAFC reaches MLS Cup Final for the first time with Gareth Bale in oblivion

marca.com, 31 October 2022, 01:30
The team led by Carlos Vela defeated Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference Final

With Carlos Vela in stellar form, Los Angeles FC continues to make history and this day reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time after defeating Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference Final. The team led by Mexican striker Carlos Vela continues to demonstrate why it was the best club throughout the season and is just one win away from winning the title.

In front of thousands of fans that filled the Banc of California Stadium, LAFC consolidated its position as one of the favorites to win the MLS trophy, which it would achieve after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield. Sunday's game was a great one, which they capitalized on with goals from Cristian Arango, in the 29th minute, an own goal by Maximiliano Urruti (62nd) and Kwadwo Opoku (81st).

Carlos Vela's show at the Banc of California Stadium

Carlos Vela is the main player in the Los Angeles FC squad and today he proved it. Although his two services were from corner kicks and one that ended in an own goal, the Mexican continues to collaborate with LAFC, a team that reached the MLS Cup final for the first time in its history and that on November 5 will try to win its second title of the season.

It was almost half an hour into the game when LAFC shook off the nerves of the Conference Final and opened the scoring. Vela took a corner kick and Arango beat his marker. Without jumping, he headed past goalkeeper Brad Stuver to make it 1-0 and set the stadium abuzz. The path to the final was set and it was just a matter of holding on to the lead.

And although they went to the break with the minimal advantage, the team from Los Angeles was better on the field, which they capitalized on in the second half again with the help of Vela, but this time thanks to a deflection by Urruti, who put the ball in his goal after the corner kick taken by the Mexican striker, who was the one who received the congratulations of all his teammates.

Who will LAFC play against for the championship?

With 9 minutes to go, Opoku scored, who took advantage of a strange bounce of the ball, left it comfortably for a left-footed shot and with a low shot put the final numbers to beat and eliminate a team that fought, but was widely dominated from the beginning.

Thus, LAFC, who a few weeks ago received the MLS Supporters' Shield for being the best team of the season, will now have the opportunity to fight for the MLS Cup on November 5 against the winner of the match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.

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