LAFC gets a goal in stoppage time to advance to the Finals

LAFC #99 Denis Bouanga (F) scored two goals against the LA Galaxy in the Audi MLS Cup Semifinals. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Cristian 'Chicho' Arango scored the game-winner in stoppage time as the LAFC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 in El Tráfico to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Denis Bouanga scored two goals for Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference semifinal Thursday night at the Banc of California Stadium.

"Yes, it's such a joy, (Galaxy) is a great rival. In these rivalry games, I think it's very special," Arango said. "Winning like this gives it a touch of joy. I feel like it's a team goal. I feel like I had to be in the place I was, and I had to sense my teammates and be aware of how the team ran and defended the way we did. I think this goal is a representation of all the effort the team made."

Bouanga gave LAFC a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute when he netted home a pass from Carlos Vela. A bad-headed clearance from LAFC Eddie Segura landed at the feet of Galaxy winger Samuel Grandsir, who took advantage and scored the equalizer before halftime.

In the 80th minute, Bouanga scored his second goal during the match on a left-footed shot from the left side to give LAFC a 2-1 lead. Five minutes later, Galaxy Dejan Joveljic sent a sensational right foot shot from the outside the box to the top right corner for a 2-2 tie.

"The two goals come at a good moment," Bouanga said through a translator. "This team can grind teams down till the last whistle."

The game-winner came in the 93rd minute when Chicho sent in a shot from close range following a corner. LAFC advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second time in club history and the first since 2019.

"Well, the effort of the whole team put forward, that was fundamental today to get the win," Arango said. "We were focused, we knew how to defend, how to run. The opponent also trains to do damage, but that's what the great classics are about, to be concentrated to achieve victory."

LAFC will face the winner between FC Dallas and Austin FC in the Western Conference Final on Oct. 30 at the Banc of California Stadium.