Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup hopes stayed alive on Thursday night with the Supporters’ Shield winners using a stoppage-time winner to eliminate rivals L.A. Galaxy.
Cristian Arango’s go-ahead goal in the 93rd minute paired with Denis Bouanga’s pair of first MLS goals helped Steve Cherundolo’s squad advance 3-2 past the Galaxy at Banc of California Stadium. It was the LAFC’s second-straight home victory over the Galaxy, setting them up with a Western Conference Final date against either Austin FC or FC Dallas.
Arango arrived in the box in the 93rd minute, sending a rebound shot past Jonathan Bond to propel LAFC in front for good. It was the final key moment of a frantic finish between the California rivals.
The Galaxy handed LAFC a warning shot in the 18th minute as Samuel Grandsir’s left-footed shot rattled the crossbar. LAFC hit back with the opening goal as Bouanga capped off a pass from Carlos Vela, sending his effort into the top-left corner of Bond’s goal.
Grandsir could not be denied on his second attacking effort of the first half, beating Maxime Crepeau to the bottom-left corner. It was Grandsir’s first playoff goal and a crucial one to help the Galaxy tie the match 1-1 before halftime.
After both teams went back-and-forth in the second half, LAFC claimed a 2-1 advantage through Bouanga’s second goal of the match. Kwadwo Opoku’s pass allowed Bouanga the opportunity to drill a low shot into the bottom-left corner, celebrating his first MLS Playoffs brace.
The Galaxy needed little time to equalize for a second time, watching as Dejan Joveljic’s long-range effort nestled into the top-right corner of Crepeau’s net. However, LAFC would have the last laugh, as Arango pounced on a rebound in the third minute of stoppage time.
Bond did well to repel Bouanga’s previous chance, but could not keep out LAFC’s leading-goalscorer from celebrating his 17th league goal of 2022.
LAFC will host Austin FC or FC Dallas at Banc of California Stadium on Oct. 30.
Fun game to watch, both playoff games. MLS quality continues to rise imo