Los Angeles FC has booked its spot in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, overcoming Mexican side Club America with a 2-1 victory in a crucial playoff match. Denis Bouanga netted the decisive goal in extra time, ensuring LAFC`s progression in front of their home crowd.
The game was forced into extra time after Igor Jesus leveled the score late in regulation with a powerful header. This canceled out a penalty earlier converted by former LAFC player Brian Rodriguez. Bouanga`s winner ultimately secured victory for “The Black and Gold,” who will now join the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami as MLS representatives in the prestigious tournament.
This win is financially significant for LAFC, reportedly bringing in nearly $10 million in prize money, with the potential for additional earnings based on their performance in the main competition.
LAFC will compete in Group D of the tournament, facing formidable opponents including Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.
The initial half was a tight affair, largely confined to the midfield as both teams approached the high-stakes contest cautiously, aiming to avoid errors that could cost them a spot in the Club World Cup. Tactical adjustments were evident in the second half, but a defensive lapse from Marco Delgado threatened to hand Club America the advantage.
Delgado`s foul on Club America captain Erick Sanchez inside the penalty area resulted in a spot-kick, which America duly converted. Facing a deficit, LAFC made attacking substitutions to increase their urgency. This strategy paid off dramatically in the 89th minute when talisman Denis Bouanga delivered a corner kick that Igor Jesus headed home, forcing the match into extra time.
Carrying the momentum from their late equalizer, LAFC maintained their attacking pressure in extra time and were rewarded for their dominance in creating chances. They outshot Club America 19-9, registering eight shots on target, and were the only team to score from open play during the encounter.
LAFC participates in the tournament as a replacement for Club Leon, who were removed due to issues with multi-club ownership regulations (Club Leon and Pachuca share ownership under the same group, and a planned sale was not completed in time). With the tournament kicking off on June 14, LAFC has a short preparation window. Their first match is scheduled for June 16 against Chelsea, necessitating immediate focus on readiness. A special transfer window is open from June 1 to June 10 for participating clubs to bolster their rosters, although MLS roster constraints may limit LAFC`s capacity for major additions compared to European or South American counterparts.
Nevertheless, the current focus is on celebrating this historic moment for a club only founded in 2018. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to compete against globally renowned clubs like Chelsea and showcase their capabilities on the international stage among the 32 teams participating this summer.
