For the first time in a while, LAFC came into a match facing what was essentially a win-or-go-home scenario on their hands. With a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League Final on the line, the black & gold were going to need a win if they wanted to secure their spot. With a single-goal scored in their 1-1 draw, LAFC secured the away goal advantage, but the Union are a side that are known for scoring more than one at BMO. Tonight was simple for the home side, win, punch their ticket to the final, and avoid all other possibilities.
🇺🇸🇩🇪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇨🇴
🇺🇸🇬🇦🇪🇨🇲🇽🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/ousHdJX5Zg— LAFC (@LAFC) May 3, 2023
LAFC did what they do best, went on attack and opened up scoring for the night. In the 11th minute, LAFC were awarded a corner kick and they made the very best of the opportunity. A perfectly struck ball found the sweet spot for Ilie Sanchez who had a great headed effort that was met with an equally great save from Union’s Andre Blake. However, it was Timothy Tillman who followed the shot, and controlled the initial save, then delivered it right back to sender, putting it past for the early lead.
Himothy strikes first.
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 3, 2023
That would be the only goal scored in the half unfortunately, meaning the threat was still very much alive. A 1-1 draw would mean straight to penalties, anything after that made it anyone’s match. For now, going into the halftime break, LAFC held the slim lead, and more importantly, held their own destiny. The start of the second half was a masterclass in controlling a match from LAFC.
The home side did an excellent job of maintaining possession, keeping the ball away from Philadelphia, and killing the clock. Frustrations for the visitors was mounting and in the 59th minute it boiled over. After a drawing a silly yellow card earlier in the match, Olivier Mbaizo put on a challenge worthy of a second yellow. This one less silly, but with the first one already given, the red was a mere formality and the visitors were down a goal, and down a man with 30 minutes to play. However, this is CONCACAF, and if LAFC wanted to avoid madness, they’d do well to take advantage of the extra player, and get an insurance goal or two.
It took a bit, but in the final stages of the match, LAFC went to slam the door on any hopes Philly had of causing some chaos. In the 82nd minute, some gorgeous passing led to some vintage black & gold attacking, ending with a wide open Mahala Opoku who slammed it home past Blake for the goal to double the lead.
BELIEVE IT!!!
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 3, 2023
In the final bit of attack in the match, Denis Bouanga did what he has done best all year long, found himself with a goal scoring opportunity and punched LAFC’s Champions League Final ticket in style with a third and final goal for the home side.
DENIS. DAGGER.
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 3, 2023
The final whistle blew immediately with no added time, as LAFC came away with the big 3-0 win at home. More importantly, the team put themselves into the Champions League Final once again, giving them another chance at winning one of the more prestigious titles an MLS side could win. This team is vastly different than the one that came up just short in 2020. For now, the team shifts focus back to the MLS where they are currently the only unbeaten side left standing. They take the short trip up North to take on the San Jose Earthquakes this Saturday.
How do you feel about the big win tonight? Leave a comment below!