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LAFC defeats Club América to move on to the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League final!

 
In the single most important match in LAFC history, on the single biggest stage in LAFC history, against the single biggest opponent LAFC has ever played in a match that matters, LAFC comes away victorious! LAFC defeats América, 3-1, to move on to the final. 

In order to get to the final, however, LAFC took us on a roller coaster ride the likes of which we have never experienced in our three years of matches. LAFC came out on the front foot, dominating much of the first ten minutes, only to surrender a set piece goal in the 11th minute. Despite the early strike, LAFC continued to take it to Las Águilas until a stoppage time horror show starring Eduard Atuesta. Atuesta came crashing in to take a shot inside the box, clearly taken out, where he should have earned a penalty, without a doubt. However, the referee clearly missed it and there was no call. Atuesta and América’s keeper/telenovela actor Memo Ochoa got tangled up behind the play. As Ochoa stood over Atuesta, it appeared Atuesta made contact with Ochoa, so much so that Ochoa was sent writhing on the ground. Did Atuesta really make thatmuch contact with Memo? He certainly convinced the refs that he did, as Atuesta was sent off with a straight red card. Just like that, LAFC was both down a goal and down a man, and the half was over. It was truly a nightmare ending to a frustrating first half. 

With Latif coming on at the half for Moose, there was still good reason to be optimistic that LAFC could find the equalizer. However, we’re not sure that anyone could have predicted the lightning storm that ripped through Orlando. In the 46thminute, our fearless leader, our captain, and the best player on the pitch, Carlos Vela intercepts an errant pass in the attacking half and slots it past Memo for a goal! Just like that, it’s 1-1! And if you blinked, you missed Vela scoring AGAIN just seconds later in the 47th minute! Lightning struck twice in just over a minute, and LAFC is on top, 2-1, though still down a man.

After that point, the match was simply incredible. Carlos Vela played his best half since his battles with Zlatan, Kenneth Vermeer made save after save and played with incredible poise, Latif was everywhere, and the back line held to preserve the lead going into stoppage. After another takeaway, Diego Rossi broke in on Memo, who is able to make an incredible save on the 2020 Golden Boot winner. However, the shot rebounded off Memo right to the streaking Latif Blessing, who slotted it home for the nail in América’s coffin. LAFC is headed to their first final in club history!

Also on this episode… not much else. Yes, we cover This Day in LAFC History and News and Notes, but it’s quick. Filly does a quick history lesson on Club América, Scarf uses the word homeostasis, and the boys both wonder where Paul might be. But mostly, we celebrate the huge win by LAFC! LAFC has three days, and likely no Eduard Atuesta, to get ready for Tigres in the final on Tuesday. Listamos!!!