Vela at the double as LAFC cruise into CONCACAF CL semis

The Major League Soccer champions had all but assured themselves of a place in the last four after a ruthless 3-0 first-leg win in Vancouver last week. And any Canadian hopes of a second-leg miracle in California on Tuesday were snuffed out rapidly by Steve Cherundolo's in-form Los Angeles side.

Vela opened the scoring after just eight minutes, burying a penalty to put LAFC 4-0 up on aggregate after Gabon international Denis Bouanga was brought down in the area. Barcelona-born Ilie Sanchez set up Vela's second just after the half-hour mark, picking the LAFC captain out with a superb pass from midfield that split the Vancouver defense.

Vela controlled on his chest and then rifled in a low finish to make it 2-0 on the night, 5-0 overall. Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes put the seal on the win with a spectacular long-range strike in the 65th minute.

Los Angeles could face old rivals Philadelphia Union in the semi-finals, who they beat in last year's MLS Cup final to win the domestic championship. Philadelphia lead Mexico's Atlas 1-0 after last week's home first leg. Union face a challenging trip to Mexico on Wednesday for the second leg.

On the other side of the draw on Tuesday, Mexico's Leon suffered an upset 2-1 defeat to Haitian side Violette but still progressed comfortably to the last four, winning 6-2 on aggregate.

Leon had put themselves on pole position to advance after thrashing the Haitians 5-0 in the first leg last week. Leon will face either fellow Mexican side Tigres UANL or Motagua from Honduras in the last four.

 

April 12, 2023