By Josue Lopez
The Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles Football Club came to the Leagues Cup semifinal differently; Chris Armas´ team defeated Club America in a close game that ended up with a long penalty shootout; meanwhile, the Black and Gold returned to BMO Stadium after a clear 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
LAFC faced the Rapids with their brand-new 3-4-2 formation. It can also be interpreted as a 5-2-3 lineup depending on the position of Rayan Hollingshead and Setgi Palencia. The only similarity is the three in the attack. In this case, Mateus Bogusz, Denis Bouanga, and Kei Kamara were the ones in charge of the offense. The opponent, with a conservative 4-2-3-1 with Mihailovic and Rafael Navarro as their biggest threats. The other 9 players came to BMO to defend the tie.
A very close first half was opened with two plays almost at the end of the first halfñ DMateus Bogusz finished an assist by central defender Jesus Murillo and Kei Kamara finished a play that had their best pass in the left side from Rayan Hollingshead and on the right side by the veteran striker.
Steve Cherundolo roster kept the foot on the pedal. Denis Bouanga took a ball in Colorado corner kick and went all the way with it throughout the field, Kei Kamara took away defensive coverage and the Designed Player placed the ball to the net giving the third goal and the 22 goals of the season, this at the 59th minute. L
Four changes were made after that, including the newest Black and Gold member and the scorer of the fourth and final goal Lewis O´Brien. Ommar Campos and Cristian Olivera, the other two comers, were involved in such goals participating in the development of the play. A bad deflection from Rapid´s midfielder Stewart Baynes. Thus, LAFC ended with a 4-0 victory and their fifth final in their seventh season.
The MLS Cup final contenders, Columbus Crew and LAFC will face in the second edition of the Leagues Cup. The encounter will take place, once again, at Lower.Field Stadium.
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