LAFC beats Rapids 4-0 to advance to Leagues Cup final in MLS Cup second leg against Columbus Crew – NBC Los Angeles
Remember the scene in Rocky II where Apollo Creed tries to persuade the recently retired Rocky Balboa to have a rematch?
Well, as Creed learned, one should be careful what one wishes for.
For eight long months, the Los Angeles Football Club was fixated on its loss to the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field in the 2023 MLS Cup final last December.
Terrible weather, poor pitch conditions and a four-minute lapse in concentration made the difference in a 2-1 loss to LAFC that day, ending their dream of defending their title.
Eight months later, the rematch is coming up, but not for the MLS Cup, but for a completely different trophy.
LAFC secured its ticket to the 2024 Leagues Cup final with a 4-0 win over Colorado Rapids in the semifinals at BMO Stadium on Wednesday.
With the win, LAFC secures a place in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Mateusz Bogusz struck first for the Black and Golds in the 42nd minute.and Minute in a beautiful display of passing power from LAFC. Ryan Hollingshead passed to Jesus Murillo, who sent the ball back to Hollingshead, but the defender feinted his opponent and instead passed the ball to Bogusz, who was completely unmarked and fired it into the net.
LAFC scored its second goal of the evening a few minutes later with a thunderous strike from Kei Kamara.
The second-leading scorer in MLS history buried a right-footed shot into the net to give the Black and Golds a 2-0 lead at halftime. Once again, Hollingshead was involved, leaping over a through ball, changing direction and finding a completely unmarked Kamara in the box.
Last season’s 2023 MLS Golden Shoe winner increased the total in the opening minutes of the second half.
With their new teammate and fellow countryman Oliver Giroud on the pitch at the start of the final 45 minutes, the two French strikers raced down the left side of the pitch. Bouanga feinted his defender to the right and fired home with his left foot at the far post.
Lewis O’Brien opened his LAFC account with his first goal for the Black and Gold in the 75th Minute. The 25-year-old English midfielder, on loan from Nottingham Forest, was in the right place at the right time, just outside the centre of the box, as his volley found the right corner of the net to make it 4-0.
The 2023 MLS Cup tie will take place on August 25th at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
