LAFC had their work cut out for them coming into the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final against León. Los Angeles are no strangers to overcoming deficits on aggregate in this competition, but with everything on the line, makes it a prime setting for chaos. All LAFC needed to do was come away with a win to either push it to extra time, or come away with one of the trophies they want most.
FINISH ‘EM.#LAFC x @LAFC3252 pic.twitter.com/ypQDURsNRl
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 5, 2023
Coming away with the first goal was the objective for both sides coming into this one, and it was the leg leaders to snatch the early goal. In the 20th minute it was some perfect passing, and an awkward shot from Lucas Di Yorio, to get past the LAFC defense for the lead.
⚽ ¡Gol de @clubleonfc!
🦁 Lucas Di Yorio anota el primer tanto del partido y pone el marcador global 3-1 a favor de los Panzas Verdes. | #SCCL23 pic.twitter.com/h2TfRyNhPD
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) June 5, 2023
LAFC were doing well throughout the first half to find the start to build-ups, but couldn’t find the passing in the final third, that was really needed to break down the defense and really threaten the opposition. LAFC finished the half with five shots, but only one finding the target. The first half ended with León nursing a one goal lead, with a 1-3 lead on aggregate. The hill to climb for the home side got steeper, but if there was one team who could overcome, it’s Los Angeles.
The second half unfortunately went much like the first, with León having all the answers for whatever LAFC tried. The team was able to add a few more shots, but couldn’t find the target at all. They only managed the lone shot on target through 75 minutes. It wasn’t looking too good for the home side. They needed to find goals and do so immediately If they wanted to breathe life into their comeback hopes.
The team’s best chance came in the 78th minute, when Kwadwo Opoku had a great look on a running 1v1 with just the keeper to beat. Unfortunately he couldn’t beat him, and the scoreline remained the same with time running out fast. In the end, it was the Liga MX reclaiming the CCL trophy, as León finished the job in Los Angeles. It was a disappointing end not just because of the final result, but because if we are honest, LAFC failed to play to potential in this finals matchup. Now, the team shift focus on an MLS Cup repeat as they aim to close out the regular season in better form than they’ve displayed as of late.
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