Giorgio Chiellini and Los Angeles FC advance to MLS Cup final to face Philadelphia Union
Los Angeles FC will host the Philadelphia Union for the MLS Cup final after both teams won their respective conference finals over the weekend.
The Californian side, featuring Chiellini and Gareth Bale (33), beat Austin 3-0 to claim the Western Conference trophy, while Philadelphia overcame defending champions New York 3-1 in the Eastern Conference.
Neither club has ever won the MLS Cup, a trophy that this year will be awarded at the Banc of California Stadium next Saturday.
After the victory against Austin - with goals from Cristian Arango, Kwadwo Opoku, and an own goal by Maxi Urruti - Los Angeles coach Steve Cherundolo said, "We are very excited to have reached the MLS Cup final, that was the goal.
"I am very proud of my boys, but we are still hungry and want more," the coach concluded.
In the first half, after having taken the lead through Arango, Los Angeles' ruthless pressing had led to a great shot from Jose Cifuentes in the 43rd minute, which was deflected away thanks to the precious intervention of goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
In the 62nd minute, however, came the goal that would ultimately decide the contest.
A corner taken by Carlos Vela was met by Urruti, who accidentally pushed the ball into his own net, giving Cherudolo's men a 2-0 lead.
The goal that finally sealed the game for sure came in the 81st minute, when substitute Opoku made a mockery of the Austin goalkeeper with an accurate shot, making it 3-0.
After the game, Austin coach Josh Wolff said that the better team had won.
"They didn't let us play the game, they attacked and pressed and never stopped with a very high tempo. It was tough trying to set up the game and penetrate their area."
Philadelphia, meanwhile, continued their good run of form and will end this season without having lost once at home.
The Pennsylvania side beat New York 3-1 in a comeback victory, after finding themselves trailing in the 57th minute due to Maxi Morales' goal.
The New Yorkers even had a chance to go 2-0 up, but Alex Callens' header was blocked by Andre Burke's great reflexes.
The visiting team's lead, however, did not last more than eight minutes.
In the 65th minute, Julian Carranza took advantage of a lull in focus by Nick Cushing's men to push the ball into the net from Jakob Glesnes' free-kick.
Just two minutes later, Union made it 2-1, with a goal slotted in from the boot of Daniel Gazdag who was assisted by the ever-present Carranza.
It became 3-1 in the 76th minute, thanks to Cory Burke who, due to a bit of luck and Anton Tinnerholm's error in the rebound, put the ball in the back of the net.
That confirmed the first Eastern Conference title for Philadelphia, a city that is also celebrating the Phillies' achievements in the World Series and the Eagles' unbeaten start in the NFL.
"It's a special moment for the city of Philadelphia," said coach Jim Curtin.
"My guys have proven they are a match for the Phillies and Eagles. I'm very proud."