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TORONTO, Canada—Barely three years into existence, Los Angeles FC will have the opportunity to accomplish what Toronto FC has come so close to two seasons in: becoming the first Major League Soccer (MLS) team to conquer the region. CONCACAF and achieve Champions League supremacy (CCL). in the modern age.
Bob Bradley’s side, assembled in the middle of the park by Canada-Toronto international Mark-Anthony Kaye, clinched an exciting victory over Mexican giant Club America late Saturday night, overcoming a first-half deficit and a cardboard red —To win 3-1 and advance to Tuesday’s final.
After falling behind early and controversially sending off Eduard Atuesta just before half-time, LAFC rallied behind none other than 2019 MLS MVP Carlos Vela, as the Mexico international scored two. goals in less than a minute right after the break to give his team the advantage.
His second, which was very similar to his first, came just 13 seconds after the equalizer, which ultimately reversed the tie.
After a Club America player was sent off for a rather frustrated challenge over Diego Rossi, Latif Blessing would put him to bed in the 95th minute, hitting a rebound and securing LAFC’s place in the final.
This is the first time an MLS team has reached the CCL Final since Toronto FC in 2018. In the wake of the franchise’s first MLS Cup, the Reds made their infamous push to the final there is nearly three years, of course losing a broken heart against Guadalajara in penalties.
TFC, which before this year could only qualify for the tournament by winning the Canadian Championship, was the closest an MLS franchise had ever managed to conquer the CONCACAF region. The Montreal Impact also played in the 2015 final and Real Salt Lake qualified for the 2011 title game, with both teams short against opponents from La Liga MX.
LAFC has already done what neither of these teams could: become the first North American team to defeat three opponents in La Liga MX. First, Club Leon in the round of 16, then Cruz Azul in the quarter-finals and now Club America in the semi-finals. If they are to hoist the title, they will have to become the first and only team to win four, as they face UANL Tigers in the final at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla. On Tuesday night.
A few inches from accomplishing what no other North American club has done before, TFC has spoken at length about their desire to return to the CCL title game. But first, they’ll have to take on the role of spectator at LAFC as the Western Conference team aim to do what the Reds – and no other MLS team before them – could: complete the historic race.
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