As a defending league champion it’s always going to be tough to get back to the final, but Los Angeles FC found its way on Saturday night.
Steve Cherundolo’s squad sealed their MLS Cup return by defeating the visiting Houston Dynamo 2-0 at BMO Stadium. Ryan Hollingshead’s first-half goal paired with a Franco Escobar own goal sealed the defending champions’ trip to face the Columbus Crew on Dec. 9.
Maxime Crepeau made several key stops for LAFC in the first half, which proved crucial to the hosts eventually grabbing a lead before halftime. Both Corey Baird and Aldaberto Carrasquilla were denied by the Canadian veteran as LAFC weathered the storm.
Hollingshead’s finish off a rebound boosted LAFC in front 1-0 in the 44th minute. Giorgio Chiellini’s original header was denied by veteran shot-stopper Steve Clark, but Hollingshead was in the right spot to finish off the rebound.
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Micael’s second-half header was denied by Crepeau, as well as Nelson Quinones’ long-range shot after the hour mark. Crepeau finished the match with five saves as LAFC used Escobar’s own goal in the 80th minute to pad their lead.
Diego Palacios’ cross from the left wing was bundled into the back of the net by a sliding Escobar.
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Despite being out-possessed 70%-to-30%, LAFC sealed its return to MLS Cup by winning in front of a raucous home crowd.
The Dynamo’s season may have come to an end, but Ben Olsen’s squad will return to CONCACAF play in 2023 after winning the U.S. Open Cup.
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