After their dramatic shootout win against Chivas Guadalajara, comes another tough Liga MX opponent for LAFC in the Leagues Cup, in Toluca. Not as big of a turnout for Toluca, so LAFC looks to have it’s home field advantage that it didn’t have last game.
Both teams will need points out of this second crucial game. LAFC could be in a really nice position with a win in regular time.
The first real big chance in the game almost happened in the 24th when Denis Bouanga got through the defense and nearly got to the ball before the Toluca keeper Hugo Gonzalez corralled it, just in time. Neither team has made much of a threat. Very even keel game, but aggressively played.
The hydration break could do some good here. Change up in strategy might give it some push. It’s not lacking intensity, just missing action in the final third. Just as I say that, Helinho gets a fantastic cross from midfield right in front of the right side of the LAFC box and rips one across to the far post, as Hugo Lloris extends and glides across the goal to knock it away.
After the Toluca corner, LAFC sprints ahead on a fastbreak. It’s a 3-on-1, but David Martinez stumbles with the ball and doesn’t get a decent enough shot, but the ricochet from the save had landed right to Bouanga who gets a touch on it but Gonzalez knocks it away on instinct. Quality attempt by LAFC, but better save by Toluca.
Now this game is turning up really quickly. LA again with a shot that hits the goalpost. Bouanga had one more chance at the brink of extra time where he had a great look on goal and blasted it just over the top of the goal. He’s really getting into a groove in this match, seems like only a matter of time he gets one in the net.
Slow start for LAFC early on, but things really picked up near the 30th and they woke up. Toluca had a big moment that was saved by Lloris, but otherwise LAFC ended the half looking like the more dangerous team.
The second half continued the pace from the later stages of the first half. LAFC still getting quality chances they can’t seem to put away. Will this be their undoing in this game, and Toluca end up stealing this one?
LAFC driving to the box again and Bouanga goes down in the box in the 74th, but referee immediately signaled to play on. LAFC keeps pushing.
Look who is in the house tonight. French and football superstar Michael Olise in the house. This is really cool and a great sign for the league. To have one of the biggest international booming stars is taking in a summer vacation night in LA at an MLS Champions League Cup match.
This game was heading straight for PK’s, but not so fast. In the first minute of stoppage time, a breakthrough. Jacob Shaffelburg gets a ball to Eddie Segura who curls a golazo into the back of the net, from the top of the box. The crowd erupts. Absolute clutch game winner! An unlikely hero in Segura comes through for LA.
LAFC gets the full three points. Now sitting on 5 heading into the final match. They are in a good place. Huge momentum win, should set them up nicely against Queretaro.
Man of the Match:
Who else could it be besides Eddie Segura? He won the game in a clutch moment with a spectacular goal. Enough said. Bravo Eddy.
Next Match:
The Black & Gold will play its final game in Phase One of Leagues Cup on Wednesday, August 12, against Querétaro at BMO Stadium. That match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Apple TV.