Share this @internewscast.com

Ryan Hollingshead scored as defending champion Los Angeles FC reached a second straight MLS Cup Final courtesy of a 2-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.

Houston’s Franco Escobar scored an own goal 10 minutes from time to secure the Western Conference Final for Los Angeles. 

Steve Cherundolo’s side will travel to Columbus next weekend to face The Crew, who beat FC Cincinnati 3-2 in a thriller earlier on Saturday.

Maxime Crepeau made five saves to earn a third consecutive clean sheet for Los Angeles. It means Cherundolo’s side hasn’t conceded a goal since October, with Giorgio Chiellini and Diego Palacios leading a defense that frustrated the Dynamo. 

LAFC defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 to win a second straight Western Conference title

LAFC defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 to win a second straight Western Conference title

Ryan Hollingshead scored late in the first half to give Los Angeles the lead on Saturday night

Ryan Hollingshead scored late in the first half to give Los Angeles the lead on Saturday night 

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (R) made five saves in his third consecutive clean sheet for LAFC

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (R) made five saves in his third consecutive clean sheet for LAFC 

Houston’s nine-game winning streak ended as the franchise fell agonzingly short of a first MLS Cup Final since 2012.

LAFC stood strong in its 52nd match of 2023 – an MLS record for games played in a calendar year, thanks to the club’s competition in several non-league tournaments.

The Black and Gold still reached the brink of a second straight title despite the heavy workload and despite losing several key players from last season’s championship team, including high-scoring Chicho Arango and the retired Gareth Bale.

The Los Angeles crowd gave a standing ovation to Carlo Vela when he came off in the second half of what might be his final match at BMO Stadium. The club’s first player is out of contract this winter and isn´t sure whether he will return.

Columbus Crew battled back to beat FC Cincinnati and win the MLS Eastern Conference title

Columbus Crew battled back to beat FC Cincinnati and win the MLS Eastern Conference title

Christian Ramirez scored a 115th-minute winner as the Crew came back from two goals down

Christian Ramirez scored a 115th-minute winner as the Crew came back from two goals down

The match also could have been the last at home for Chiellini. The Italian great who joined LAFC from Juventus 18 months ago is thought to be considering retirement at 39.

Earlier, Christian Ramirez scored a 115th-minute winner as the Columbus Crew battled back from two goals down to beat favorites FC Cincinnati 3-2.

Columbus, who have won two titles in three previous trips to the final, will host next Saturday’s final. 

This was The Crew’s ninth conference final – only LA Galaxy (13) have reached more – and the first time in MLS history that state rivals have faced off for a title. 

The Crew’s overtime win sparked wild celebrations among the visiting players and fans in Cincinnati, with midfielder Darlington Nagbe left in tears on the field.

Columbus midfielder Darlington Nagbe (right) was left in tears following the victory

Columbus midfielder Darlington Nagbe (right) was left in tears following the victory

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Ibrox’s Empty Seats Reflect Growing Apathy Toward Martin’s Leadership

There comes a time when anger gives way to apathy and disillusionment…

Chelsea 1-0 Benfica: Jose Mourinho’s comeback overshadowed by defeat, as yet another Blues player gets sent off in a lackluster Champions League win

Just past the hour mark, with their team struggling slightly, Chelsea supporters…

Alarming Videos of Notorious Football Icon Warwick Capper Spark Worry Among Fans

Footy fans are becoming deeply concerned about the health of AFL legend…

Manager Faces Two Heartbreaking Losses in Just Six Days: Coach Who Launched Career of 21-Year-Old Former Arsenal Prospect, Tragically Killed During Match, is Also the Brother of Late Ex-Liverpool Coach Who Recently Passed Away

The tragic death of 21-year-old Chichester City forward Billy Vigar has rocked…

Chelsea Fans Speculate on Curious Conspiracy Involving Out-of-Favor Striker and Potential January Exchange

Chelsea fans have come up with a conspiracy theory concerning a possible…

What Rory McIlroy Shared with His Wife Erica Moments After Europe’s Triumph at the Ryder Cup Despite Unruly American Fans

Rory McIlroy had just a simple message for his long-enduring wife, Erica…

Florian Wirtz cautioned about significant Karim Benzema threat amid allegations of Liverpool transfer error

Florian Wirtz knew his Liverpool struggles were a possibility when he joined…

Uncovered: The Tension Between Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca and Fabian Hurzeler, Influenced by Italian Allegiances, Brighton Manager’s Sideline Behavior, and a Marc Cucurella Trick

It was an otherwise typical Thursday at Cobham as a few reporters…

Ballon d’Or Organizers Unveil Ousmane Dembele’s Lead Over Lamine Yamal and Mohamed Salah’s Chances at the Award

Ousmane Dembele secured a comfortable victory in the Ballon d’Or on Monday…