LAFC hosted Monterrey in a League Cup quarterfinal match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. With a win for Los Angeles, Monterrey would have been the lone remaining Liga MX team and would have ruined everyone’s chances of watching the MLS semi-finals.

After being granted a penalty in the very first minute of the game, the black and gold wasted no time seizing the lead. Denis Bouanga stepped up to the penalty spot and converted, giving him six goals in three Leagues Cup games.

Despite having nearly all of the ball for the majority of the first half, Monterrey was only able to get one shot on goal. Los Angeles Football Club had over seven shots in the first half and doubled their lead in the 42nd minute after leading by a goal for most of the period. Mateusz Bogusz took possession of the ball inside the penalty area and scored a goal to extend LAFC’s advantage before halftime.

As the clock passed the 60-minute mark, Monterrey’s dominance of possession persisted, and although coming close to halving the lead on multiple occasions, they remained scoreless despite their persistent probing. After persistently pressing for a penalty, they finally received one in the 67th minute. Canales took the penalty and scored, halving LAFC’s lead.

The goal gave CF Monterrey new life, and they continued to apply pressure to the black and gold. Los Angeles FC fared exceptionally well after giving up the ball to capitalize on their opportunities and come close to increasing their lead.

In the 79th minute, the equalizer Monterrey had been looking for finally went in. The visitors got lucky with the Palencia own goal, but that was just a matter of opportunity meeting hard work. The Liga MX team tied the game after an unsuccessful attempt to block the oncoming shot.

In the game’s last moments, Funes Mori’s effort sealed the comeback victory. The ball was hit expertly and got through McCarthy’s legs to give them a late lead. After two outstanding performances in the Leagues Cup, it was devastating to see a two-goal lead evaporate.

The last horn sounded, and the Mexican team advanced to the semifinals, carrying the burden of their league with them. Los Angeles FC is recommitting themselves to winning a second MLS Cup despite their ongoing inconsistency. On August 20th, Los Angeles will welcome the Colorado Rapids at BMO Stadium as they return to Major League Soccer play.

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