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By Josué López
The Western Conference final between the defending MLS Cup champion and the US Open Cup Holder, LAFC and Houston Dynamo, took place at BMO Stadium. Such a battle had huge expectations, mainly for the efficiency of the attack by LAFC led by Denis Bouanga and the strength of the visitors midfield commanded by former Mexican National Team player Hector Herrera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3kiHNceGw
The Black and Gold had Maxime Crepeou in goal; Diego Palacios and Rayan Hollingshead on the wings; Giorgio Chiellini and Jesus Murillo as the trusted defensive duo, midfield with Kellyn Acosta, Timoty Tilman, and Ilie Sanchez; and the trio in front with Carlos Vela, Cristian Olivera and Denis Bouanga.
Dynamo had Steve Clark in goal; Griffin Dorsey and Franco Escobar as right backs; central defending with Erik Sviachenko and Micael; Artur and Hector Herrera, and Adalberto Carrasquilla in the midfield; and Nelson Quiñones, Amine Bassi and Corey Baird in the offense.
After a little delay due to fireworks, the game started. It was Carlos Vela who had the first two chances in the game: the first in the second minute hitting the post, and the second ended in the net but it was an offside.
Houston had its best chance in the seventh minute. Hector Herrera took the ball on the left side and made a cross all the way to the right where Corey Baird stroked the ball. Maxime Crepeou was in the right place to save the ball.
The Black and Gold goal came in the 45th minute. A set piece place ended with a header by Giorgio Chiellini saved by Steve Clark and a rebound well-taken by Rayan Hollingshead who scored his 11th goal of the season.
Houston found some momentum at the beginning of the second half, but it was a Dynamo member and former LAFC player who scored the second goal of the night. After a traditional cross by Diego Palacios, Franco Escobar hit the ball in the wrong direction. Thus, LAFC are back-to-back Western Conference Champions and MLS Cup finalists for the second season straight.The final between LAFC and Eastern Conference champions Columbus Crew will take place next Saturday, December 10th at Lower.com Field
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