How many times have LAFC won the MLS Cup?
The ‘Black and Gold’ face Philadelphia Union on Saturday at the Banc of California Stadium with the 2022 MLS Cup title on the line.
For the first time since 2003, the top seeds from each conference will play against each other in the championship decider, with the 2022 MLS Cup final set to take place at Banc of California Stadium (Los Angeles) on Saturday.
LAFC’s path to the final
The ‘black and gold’ made it to their first MLS Cup Final after comfortably beating Austin FC 3-0 at the Banc of California stadium on Sunday. Goals from Arango and Okopu came either side of an Urruti own goal to seal the win and 22 shots that the home side mustered, paint a very clear picture of just how much of a disappointing day it was for Austin FC. Veteran Italian Chiellini marshalled their back line and brought a much-valued sense of experience and calm to LAFC’s game. At the other end, Arango and Vela were twisting and turning like figure-skaters, winding around Austin’s defence and repeatedly creating scoring chances for each other.
In the semi-final clash prior to the final, a derby LA ‘El Trafico’ tussle saw a late, late Arango winner secure a 3-2 win for Steve Cherundolo’s men.
LAFC looking to make history
The ‘Black and Gold’ are one of the new faces in MLS having played their first season in 2018 and won the Supporters’ Shield for topping the Western Conference the following year. Their journey to the final was truncated at the semi-final stage as they fell to eventual champions Seattle Sounders (3-1).
This year saw LAFC secure their second Supporters’ Shield as the side romped to secure top spot in the West leading second placed Austin FC by eleven points in a solid regular season that saw Cherundolo’s men only fall to nine defeats throughout the campaign.
Fans of the club will be hoping that this is the year the side can take that final step in securing their first ever MLS Cup in their short history.
Rivals Philadelphia too will be looking for their maiden MLS Cup glory with the Union celebrating their 12th season as an MLS franchise.