Colombian Cristian Arango scored again in the MLS playoffs in LAFC’s 3-0 win against Austin FC on Sunday at Banc of California Stadium to bid the team a farewell to the MLS Cup final and Western Gold and Black Championship.
LAFC will now face the winner of this Sunday’s game between NYCF and Philadelphia Union in the MLS final. The Los Angeles team will host as they won the Supporter’s Shield, being the best team of the regular season.
“I always try to have my team have an advantage. And I am very happy, but the fundamental thing is that we won and we won well. The fans deserve it, ”Arango said at the end of the match.
In addition to the goal scored by Arango in the first half, Argentine Maximiliano Urruti scored an own goal at 62 and then Kwadwo Opoku added the third goal at 81.
“I think he’s the best I’ve ever seen from the team, from first team to finish,” said Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s first-year coach. “If we had exploited their mistakes, it would have been very difficult for them to find a rhythm.”
It will be the first MLS final for LAFC, which is looking for its first star in the American championship. Before that, the best seat the Los Angeles team had ever had was a 2019 conference final, which they lost to the Seattle Sounders.
The Italian Giorgio Chiellini started during the match but had to leave for the second half as a precaution due to injury.
