Different circumstances, same drama between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union.
Facing each other for the first time since last November’s epic MLS Cup final, LAFC and the Union had the same intention as when they faced off the previous time; winning a trophy. This time however, the circumstances were much different, as this was the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, and the winner of this series would only progress to the final against the winner between Liga Mx clubs Leon and Tigres UNAL.
More importantly for the Union, Wednesday’s first leg was at Subaru Park in Chester PA, meaning the Union fans got the opportunity to let LAFC knew how they felt about coming up heartbreakingly short in the final Despite the different settings, the two teams still did not sell anything short on the drama scale. The Union took the lead on Daniel Gazdag’s penalty late in the second half, but just like last November, LAFC once again proved to have a flair for the dramatic, as Kellyn Acosta’s stoppage time goal rescued the 1-1 draw for LAFC.
Philadelphia was threatening late in the second half. Gazdag, already inside the penalty area, dribbled towards the end line, then played a ball back to an open Jeff McGlynn, who was also in the penalty area. McGlynn quickly took the shot, but it deflected off Acosta and went out for a corner. The Union however appealed for a handball, referee César Arturo Ramos Palazuelos soon got the word to go to Video Review, which confirmed that the ball hit off Acosta arm area, Philadelphia was awarded the penalty, and Gazdag converted from the spot in the 86th minute to give the Union the lead.
Philadelphia took the lead into stoppage time, but in the first minute, LAFC and Acosta found redemption. Timothy Tillman played a ball into the penalty area, Denis Bouanga got his right foot on the ball, and after a bounce inside the box, Acosta shot a ball off the pitch, the ball got past keeper Andre Blake and into the back net to level the match.
LAFC will look to carry the momentum into the second leg at BMO Stadium on Tuesday night.
