LAFC Wins Western Conference
Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Arts & Entertainment Editor
Houston Dynamo blunder helps send LAFC to victory.
On Dec. 2, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) secured a 2-0 victory in the Western Conference Final against the Houston Dynamo FC at LAFC’s Bank of Montreal (BMO) stadium in downtown Los Angeles. The celebratory flares lit by LAFC fans created a smoggy kickoff, hinting at the suspense to come.
Team captain Carlos Vela took charge with two attempts early in the first half while smoke from the pregame fireworks display still hung in the air. Vela’s first attempt hit the middle of the box in the fourth minute, and his second attempt made it to the back of the net but was called back by the officials since he was offside.
Vela’s goal-scoring zeal in the game’s first few minutes set the tone for the team’s determination. The LAFC crowd’s support for Vela was evident from the beginning, screaming every time he touched the ball. As one of the franchise’s first designated players in 2014, Vela has played a pivotal role in the LAFC. He led the club to their first MLS Cup victory in 2022 and holds a special place for LAFC fans. However, his contract expires on Dec. 31, and there is no news of an agreement being reached to renew it. Losing Vela this season would add to LAFC’s losses, as they’ve already lost several key players from last season’s championship team, including high-scoring Chicho Arango and the retired Gareth Bale.
Houston has been a tough rival for LAFC this season, winning their two June matchups. This time, Houston held possession of the ball for most of the first half. However, LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead capitalized on a rebound in the 44th minute, scoring the first goal of the game and his fifth MLS goal of the season, breaking through Houston’s defense. Hollingshead attributed his quick thinking to growing accustomed to how his opponents play. “We understood their game plan: possession at all times. Possession means little if it doesn’t lead to dangerous chances. In the playoffs, it’s about winning, not just style. You can be as fast and technically sound as Dénis (Bouanga), take guys on one, and attack, or you can just show up in the right place at the right time, right? So I’ll take option two,” said Hollingshead.
The second half saw tense moments, with LAFC’s attempts, including three by Golden Boot striker Bouanga, proving fruitless. LAFC’s defense, led by Giorgio Chiellini and Diego Palacios, frustrated Houston. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, making five saves, cemented his strong comeback from a previous leg injury–he hasn’t allowed a goal to see the back of the net since October.
As the game neared its end, LAFC sealed the deal in the 80th minute when Bouanga’s pass to Diego Palacios resulted in an own goal by Dynamo defender Franco Escobar. LAFC fans roared “forever black and gold” behind Escobar as he hung his head in his hands while his teammates attempted to boost his spirits after his crushing mistake. That marked the end of the Dynamo’s nine-game winning streak and their chance to win the franchise’s first MLS Cup Final since 2012.
LAFC will travel to Columbus this weekend to play for the MLS title against Columbus Crew on December 9th, 2023, at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
