Carlos Vela

LAFC reached its first MLS Cup thanks to two well-taken Carlos Vela corners — the first met by Chicho Arango, the second an unfortunate Maxi Urruti own goal — and a late Kwadwo Opoku strike to defeat Austin FC 3-0 in the Western Conference final. 

Thanks to its status as Supporters' Shield winner, LAFC will host MLS Cup at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 5 against the winner of the Eastern Conference final between the Philadelphia Union and NYCFC.   

Back in March, Charlotte FC set the MLS attendance record when 74,479 showed up at Bank of America Stadium for the club's inaugural home match against LA Galaxy. Now the visitors are looking to bring the record back home with a 2023 El Tráfico of LA Galaxy vs LAFC at the Rose Bowl (capacity: 88,565).

Oh, and it's the season opener.

Trailing 1-0 to a header from Minnesota United's Brent "Leave It All Out There" Kallman on Tuesday night in St. Paul, LAFC saw all its regular season ambition — the Supporters' Shield and a clear path to hosting MLS Cup — slipping away as they stared at a fifth defeat in six matches. 

Gareth Bale had offered very little over 62 minutes before getting the hook, while Denis Bouanga was sacrificed at the same time with Steve Cherundolo hoping that Cristian Tello could offer something different.