LAFC 4-0 Colorado Rapids summary: score, goals and highlights | Leagues Cup
LAFC - Colorado Rapids: As it happened
LAFC progress to Leagues Cup final with dominant display
Goals from Mateusz Bogusz, Kei Kamara, Denis Bouanga and Lewis O'Brien secured a comfortable 4-0 win over the Colorado Rapids. LAFC will now face Columbus Crew in Sunday's final, a rematch of last year's MLS Cup final.
All of the LAFC goals showed real quality but the pick of the bunch was this scintillating solo effort from Bouanga, running the length of the field before drilling the ball past Zack Steffen. With a player of his quality in this sort of form, the sky's the limit for LAFC in 2024.
So, it's LAFC and Columbus Crew in the final of the 2024 Leagues Cup. The final will be played at Columbus' Lower.com Field due to a little-known Leagues Cup rule.
Here's everything you need to know...
LAFC will take on Columbus Crew in Leagues Cup final
After a hard-fought 40 minutes, the floodgates broke shortly before the break and LAFC scored twice to take the game away from the Colorado Rapids. A comfortable 4-0 wins sets up a mouth-watering final, with LAFC taking on Columbus Crew on Sunday in a rematch of the 2023 MLS Cup final.
When these teams met last December, Columbus looked a better and more cohesive team. They face a tougher prospect this time around.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeep
That's that. No added time needed this evening and the game comes to an end after exactly 90 minutes.
LAFC cruise to a 4-0 victory, they'll take some stopping in this form.
Things have been too easy for LAFC in the second half but Lewis O'Brien has looked good in the midfield since coming on. The Nottingham Forest loanee has been confident on the ball and strong in the tackle.
Oliver Larraz curls the shot over the wall and forces a good save from Hugo Lloris. The Frenchman palms the ball wide for a Rapids corner kick.
Cristian Olivera
Another late challenge from LAFC close to their own goal. Another free kick for Colorado, this time it's right of centre.
It's Cole Bassett who steps up to take it but he fires the ball straight at a teammate standing alongside the wall. That sums this second half performance for the Rapids.
Atuesta is penalised for a clumsy challenge on the edge of his own box.
Free kick to Colorado, 20 yards from goal on the left. Perfect chance to shoot...
Lalas Aboubakar
The Colorado defender is booked for the latest in a string of fouls on Olivier Giroud. He can have no arguments with that.
It's a little surprising that Steve Cherundolo has left Bouanga on for so long but he certainly seems to be enjoying himself out there.
He's dropping down and gliding around the midfield, before bursting forward to start attack. It's been a stellar performance from the 2023 Golden Boot winner.
Calvin Harris makes a run down the left for Colorado and tries to curl a cross into the box. LAFC have players back and manage to crowd him out.
More good work from Omar Campos. He's looked really lively for LAFC since coming on at left wing back.
This is turning into a real statement win for LAFC, turning over a Colorado team that has claimed some major scalps in their run to the semi-finals.
Columbus Crew await LAFC in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.
GOOOOOOOOOAAL! Lewis O'Brien
When this LAFC team really get going, they are almost impossible to stop.
Campos gets to the byline on the left and curls in a cross. It's cleared to the edge of the box but new signing Lewis O'Brien volleys home from 20 yards.
It's four for LAFC.
Powerful run from Calvin Harris to bring the Rapids to the edge of the box but his pass is overhit. The ball rolls out for a LAFC throw-in.
Steffen denies Giroud!
Brilliant curled pass from Bouanga to find Giroud in the middle. The big Frenchman takes a touch and looks to poke the ball into the bottom corner but Steffen makes a sharp save.
Giroud denied again!
LAFC are continuing to push for more. Both teams are now making subs to rest their players for this weekend's games.
Decision - No penalty!
On second viewing, the referee decides that the high boot did not constitute dangerous play.
Vines didn't actually appear to make contact with Palencia's head, but his foot certainly was head-high. No penalty, we play on.
VAR - Checking penalty
Hold on, the referee is being called over to take a look at the screen.
Was there enough to give the penalty?
The kick will be checked by VAR but it looked like a pretty clear-cut case.
Olivier Giroud has grabbed the ball and looks to bag his first LAFC goal!
Penalty to LAFC!
High foot from Sam Vines, catching Palencia as he charges down the wing.
Referee points to the spot!
From a Colorado point of view, there's not much you can do to defend against that. They're three-nil down after conceding three ruthless counter-attacking goals.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Denis Bouanga
One second LAFC are defending a corner kick. The next, Bouanga has ran 80 yards with the ball and fired past Zack Steffen.
Sensational goal from the LAFC forward!
LAFC win a corner kick and Bogusz swings it in. Giroud does brilliantly to connect with a header but can't get it on target.
Ten minutes into the second half and the LAFC fans are only getting louder. Colorado are starting to get a little more of the ball but as they press forward they are leaving more space.
More opportunities for Bouanga and co...
The corner is cleared to the edge of the box and Bouanga fires a volley well over the crossbar. A poor effort, but the confidence is certainly there.
Brilliant interplay from Bouanga and Giroud, with the former playing the ball through to the latter. Giroud has a clear sight of goal on his left foot and draws a sharp diving save from Steffen.
Corner kick to LAFC.
The Rapids get their foot on the ball for the first time since the break. Can they build something?
The hosts come forward again, trying to make space for a shot in the box. Some dogged Colorado defending allows them to get the ball clear but they need to wake up here.
LAFC have made a quick start to the second half, Bogusz coming close from the edge of the box with another curling effort.
Confirmation of that halftime substitution.
Kei Kamara is off. Olivier Giroud is on.
And we're back!
The second half is underway at BMO Stadium.
Olivier Giroud is out for the second half!
The Frenchman is coming on.
WATCH: Kei Kamara goal makes it two
The 39-year-old starts the move by winning the ball back on the halfway line and is on hand to supply the crucial touch in the Colorado box just second later. Brilliant stuff from Kamara, who's been in great form recently.
WATCH: Bogusz goal fires LAFC ahead
As the end of a hard-fought first half drew near it looked like it might take a moment of quality to break the deadlock. That's exactly what Mateusz Bogusz provided, curling the ball past Zack Steffen from the edge of the box.
LAFC take control with late double
Colorado Rapids were resolute for the first 41 minutes but two well-taken goals from LAFC have completely changed the complexion of this semi-final. Goals from Mateusz Bogusz and Kei Kamara give the hosts a 2-0 lead and leave them with one foot in the final.
Let's take a look at the goals...
Peep peeeep peeeeeeeeep
Halftime at BMO Stadium and LAFC, from nowhere, have a commanding lead. Can the Rapids bounce back after the break?
There's another chance to break for LAFC but Bouanga's slid through-ball is cut out on the edge of the box. That'll be all from the first half.
Colorado look to get something going before the break but Aaron Long defends well on the flank.
We'll have one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! Kei Kamara
The hosts are up and running now! Brilliant forward runs from LAFC to break through the lines and Kamara was on hand to stroke the ball home from the penalty spot.
Bad to worse for the Rapids.
That's a real blow for Colorado, who had acquitted themselves well in the first 40 minutes. Now LAFC lead and they'll start to find gaps.
It was a slick move from LAFC, orchestrated by Murillo in the middle. The ball was worked to Bogusz on the edge of the box and the former Leeds United man curled a brilliant strike past Zack Steffen and into the bottom corner.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Mateusz Bogusz
Sensational team goal from LAFC and Bogusz sweeps it home from the the edge of the box. The hosts lead!
Mihailovic plays the free kick to Connor Ronan on the edge of the box. He tries his luck but his right-footed shot is comfortably saved by Hugo Lloris.
Jonathan Lewis makes a driving run towards the LAFC box on the left. He's pulled down by Palencia, just outside the box.
Free kick to the Rapids, a good place for a cross.
Calm build-up from LAFC now, knocking the ball around the backline. Finally a long pass forward towards Palacio is overhit and out for a Colorado throw-in.
LAFC can't get a head on the corner and it's cleared to Bouanga on the edge of the box. He tries his luck with a volley but it's deflected wide.
Throw-in to the hosts.
Denis Bouanga runs at Keegan Rosenberry in the box and wins his team a corner kick.
Out of possession, Mihailovic is stepping forward to form a two-man line alongside Navarro.
It's working well, preventing the three-man LAFC defence from playing out too freely. It is a look of running for Mihailovic, though.
As we reach the half hour, there's not much to choose between the two teams so far. Slightly better chances for LAFC, but not by much.
Mateusz Bogusz has space for a shot 25 yards from goal but balloons it over the crossbar.
Good defending from Aaron Long to pinch the ball off Omir Fernandez on the flank. Both teams have done well defensively so far.
LAFC's 3252 supporter group in good voice
BMO Stadium is far from full but there's a good atmosphere emanating from the supporters' section behind the Colorado goal. The home LAFC fans are certainly making their presence known.
Mihailovic curls in the ball with his right foot but Lloris gets out well to claim the cross. He rolls the ball out to Hollingshead on the left but the Rapids get people back to stem the counter-attack.
LAFC defender Jesus Murillo is forced to make a dramatic intervention to prevent Rafael Navarro from getting a clear sight of goal in the box.
Corner kick to the Rapids.
Good work from Bouanga on the left but he's crowded out by recovering defenders. Goal kick to Colorado.
Great touch from Mihailovic on the right, bringing down a long ball and gets his team moving forward. There's some nice play on the edge of the LAFC but it quickly fizzles out and the hosts regain possession.
It's been a pretty even start to the game, both teams getting a chance to play at a good tempo.
The Rapids enjoy a little spell of possession, Cole Bassett helping to dictate things in the midfield. Can they build up some momentum here?
WATCH: Zack Steffen double save denies LAFC
Here's a look at those stops from the Rapids keeper in the early stages, keeping the scores level. Two saves of real quality from the former Manchester City man.
The corner is a good one but LAFC head clear and they charge up-field, led by Jesus Murillo!
The big defender makes good progress but the move breaks down with a poor pass from Aaron Long. Goal kick Colorado.
Anyway, Colorado have gone on the other end and forced a corner kick. It'll be Mihailovic to take from the right...
It was a lovely bit of play from LAFC to manufacture that chance for Bouanga. A flurry of sharp passes in the midfield and a clever ball slipped through to Bouanga.
Steve Cherundolo will like what he saw there.
VAR decision - Offside
Yep, that goal will not stand. Bouanga started his run a little too early.
Still 0-0.
Possible offside - Bouanga
The assistant raised his flag on Bouanga but it was very close. It'll be checked by VAR...
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! Denis Bouanga
The LAFC man has the ball in the back of the net!
But wait, the flag is up! This could be tight...
Denis Bouanga races onto a loose ball in the left flank and fires in a drilled cross towards the head of Kamara. The LAFC striker can't connect but the hosts regain possession.
Mihailovic swings in a free kick from the right flank. Rafael Navarro gets his head on it but he can't direct it on target and LAFC clear the danger.
Ten minutes on the clock. It's been an entertaining start in LA, chances for both teams in the opening stages.
More of this, please!
Brilliant run from Hollingshead allows him to make space for a cross on the left. Colorado clear the first ball but it falls to Kamara, who snatches his shot and drags it wide.
Lively start at BMO Stadium. Plenty of space in the middle of the pitch, allowing both teams to get up the field swiftly.
LAFC nearly get caught as Lloris plays a poor pass straight to the feet of Navarro on the edge of the box. The Rapids striker looks a bit surprised and can't control the ball properly, it bounces off his boot and LAFC clear.
Another swift attack from LAFC, this time courtesy of a long punt forward from Lloris. Bogusz brings the ball under his spell and gets his team up-field.
Will that near-miss change the Rapids' gameplan here? It was frighteningly easy for LAFC to spring a counter attack once they'd played the first line of the press.
Bouanga and Kamara miss chances!
Rapid counter-attack from LAFC finds Bouanga in space in the box. He makes space for a shot, well saved by Steffen.
The rebound falls to Kamara but he can't convert!
That's a let-off for the Rapids.
Colorado are not sitting off and are engaging with the LAFC backline when they have the ball. Brave from the visitors.
LAFC make a fast start, shooting towards their famed 3252 fan section.
And we're off!
LAFC get things underway in this Leagues Cup semi-final.
The teams are out!
We're nearly ready for the off at BMO Stadium. Two quality teams on show, a place in the final at stake.
Throughout the tournament organisers have been utilising a Leagues Cup ranking system to decide who hosts and who travels for each of the knockout games. Going into the semi-finals only three of the four teams were potential hosts.
Now, we know the location of this Sunday's Leagues Cup final...
Kick-off approaches at BMO Stadium
The players are going through their paces on the turf in LA, where the home side look to continue their fine run of form. Central to their success has been the goals of Denis Bouanga, who is in the running for the Leagues Cup Golden Boot.
Bouaga has five goals in five appearances so far. Can he add to his tally this evening?
The 2022 MLS Cup winners celebrate. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Could this be a historic season for LAFC?
Steve Cherundolo's side are enjoying themselves in the cup competitions this year. As well as tonight's game they also have a US Open Cup semi-final on the horizon. They will take on Seattle Sounders in for a place in the final next Wednesday, August 28.
They are also hotly-tipped to go deep in this year's MLS Cup and certainly have the quality and the know-how to go all the way.
Glory, honour, a place in the history books... There's more than just that on offer for the winner of this year's Leagues Cup. We take a look at the prize for the triumphant team...
LAFC or Colorado to face Columbus
Here's the deciding goal in the other semi-final. Columbus Crew striker Cucho Hernandez provided a bit of breathing room for his team with this sharp finish after Diego Rossi's first half brace had given them the lead. They will face the winner of LAFC - Colorado Rapids.
LAFC in the house
The home team arrive at BMO Stadium as they look to book their place in the Leagues Cup final for the first time in team history. Just moments ago Columbus Crew secured their place in Sunday's final with a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
Who has had the better of the 2024 meetings?
These two teams have already met twice in MLS, with one home win apiece for both LAFC and Colorado Rapids in the previous games. Colorado beat LAFC 3-2 in March and LAFC got revenge with a 3-0 victory at BMO Stadium in June. The winner of this third 2024 meeting will progress to the final of Leagues Cup.
Colorado head coach pays tribute to Zack Steffen
It's not often that an MLS team signs a player from Manchester City. Granted, Zack Steffen had never been a first-choice player for the perennial Premier League champions but securing a player of his quality was a major coup for the Rapids.
Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Chris Armas highlighted Steffen's role in their positive 2024 form.
Regardless of who starts down the middle, LAFC's main scoring threat will be the mercurial Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward is a constant menace off the left flank and has been in incredible form in recent matches. With a goal against Seattle last weekend Bouanga broke the Leagues Cup scoring record, taking it from a certain Lionel Messi.
Kei Kamara starts for LAFC!
Confirmation! It'll be 39-year-old Kei Kamara to lead the line for the Black and Gold. Steve Cherundolo has the youthful Olivier Giroud (37) to provide a burst of energy off the bench.
Who will start up front for LAFC?
There's plenty of experienced options for head coach Steve Cherundolo to pick from. Not only do they have 37-year-old Olivier Giroud, but the No. 9 role is currently occupied by Kei Kamara, who is approaching 40.
Kamara's signing earlier this year was a stop-gap move but the veteran striker has impressed, playing well and scoring in the recent quarter-final victory over the Seattle Sounders.
The 2022 MLS Cup winners are hitting form at the right time. / Joe Nicholson / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
LAFC look to continue imperious run
While we await LAFC team news, let's take a look at how Steve Cherundolo's side have navigated the 2024 campaign...
What makes this LAFC team so impressive is there consistency. After reaching the MLS Cup final in each of the last two seasons (lifting the trophy in 2022) they are putting together another dominant campaign under Cherundolo. LAFC are currently 21-5-6 in all competitions across 2024, 7-0-1 in cup competitions.
Colorado Rapids team news!
Here's how the visitors line up this evening. No changes from Chris Armas, who names the same team that saw off Mexican giants Club America in the quarter-finals.
LAFC chase yet more silverware
This is the first time that LAFC have reached the semi-final of the Leagues Cup, which was expanded to 47 teams last year. LAFC are two-time Supporters’ Shield winners and lifted MLS Cup in 2022. Can they add Leagues Cup to their rapidly-growing trophy cabinet?
The Frenchman has made two substitute appearances since the move to LA. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Will Olivier GIroud start for LAFC?
Today could be the day. Coming off the back of a tiring European season and international duties with France at the Euros, Oliver Giroud was always going to need a bit of time to get up to speed with LAFC.
He's now made two appearances off the bench, we're expecting the legendary Frenchman to make his first start for Steve Cherundolo's side tonight.
What's happening in the other Leagues Cup semi-final?
Right here we're building up to LAFC - Colorado. First, however, is the other semi-final between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union. The two teams are just returning for the start of the second half; the Crew lead through this brilliant Diego Rossi goal. The Columbus forward bagged a brace in the first half.
In-form Rapids search for another scalp
Hope that's not too graphic, but that's the sort of mood that the relentless Rapids have been in this summer. They have been pushed to the brink numerous times but have managed to find a way through to the semi-finals and now stand just 180 minutes from glory.
Tonight is a chance for Chris Armas' side to make a little more history.
We're gearing up for the second of two mouth-watering semi-finals, but not everyone has been quite so enamoured with the 2024 Leagues Cup. Here's a look at the issues facing the competition in the second year since the expansion...
Matchday in Los Angeles
We're around 90 minutes from kick-off at BMO Stadium, where LAFC and Colorado Rapids are battling for a place in the Leagues Cup final. Both teams have enjoyed positive seasons in MLS this year and look certain to progress to the playoffs. This summer's tournament could provide a perfect springboard into the post-season action.
The Leagues Cup action continues with another all-MLS tie, this time from the Western Conference. LAFC and Colorado Rapids face off at BMO Stadium this evening with a place in the Leagues Cup final this weekend up for grabs.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you all the latest. Away we go!