It’s another trip to the Western Conference Finals for LAFC, as they continue on their road to repeat in 2023. The team seems to have turned it on at the right time, after a season of inconsistent performances. Now, the squad was back at home where they are most comfortable, and for the last time this season, regardless of outcome. With MLS Cup Finals being held Columbus, Ohio (something we found out through the Eastern Conference Finals result earlier in the night), it made tonight’s match the last of the season in LA for the black & gold.
This is Los Angeles ✊#LAFCvHOU pic.twitter.com/y4fnre6ZpK
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 3, 2023
The first half was one of those halves where nothing goes right for your side, yet when the whistle blows, you go into the break with the lead. Dynamo kept 71% of possession, they looked the better side throughout 44 minutes of the half, however for all the possession they didn’t find any threatening attacks. The home side did. Despite little possession, LAFC finished the half with nine shots, three on target, and a 44th minute goal to take the lead courtesy of Ryan Hollingshead. The defender has made a habit of both scoring in the postseason, this marking his third, and scoring on set pieces, something he has done multiple times this season.
The Man. The Myth. The Mustache.👨🏻
Ryan Hollingshead puts us in the lead.#LAFCvHOU 1-0 pic.twitter.com/d3ABul5TF9
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 3, 2023
Not really a smash and grab just yet, as there was still another half to sort out, but it was a smash-and-run to the locker room for halftime, for LAFC. Now, the team had the lead, the momentum, and home field in their corner as they looked to punch their MLS Cup Finals ticket.
The second half was very much like the first half, right down to the late half goal. LAFC may not have controlled the ball much throughout the match, they did control the scoreboard. While the Dynamo had chances, they couldn’t finish, and the one time they did, it shut the door on their comeback hopes. In the 80th minute a great cross in front of goal led to a deflection as the Dynamo defender couldn’t get the clearance right, and doubled the lead for LAFC via own goal.
Dénis Bouanga and Chiqui Palacios combine to earn an own goal by Houston.#LAFCvHOU 2-0 pic.twitter.com/unHm1441zr
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 3, 2023
Despite the eight minute added time, LAFC were able to see out the win and seal their spot in their second consecutive MLS Cup Finals match, this time in Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew. In what hasn’t been the typical LAFC season, this team was able to get wins when they needed most and after coming up short in the race for the other trophies, they have a chance next weekend to double up on the one that matters most.
What do you think of the win tonight? Leave a comment below!