Toluca FC Dominates LAFC to Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Final

A four-goal second half lifted Toluca FC past Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, securing their spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.

Toluca achieved a convincing 4-0 victory in Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate triumph in the two-game semifinal series.

The final will feature an all-Mexican matchup, with Toluca set to face Tigres UANL on May 30. Tigres sealed their place in the final with a 2-0 aggregate win over Nashville SC on Tuesday.

This marks the first time since 2021 that both finalists in the CONCACAF Champions Cup hail from Mexico, when CF Monterrey claimed the title against Club America.

A Mexican team is poised to lift the trophy for the 20th time in the last 21 years, with the Seattle Sounders’ victory in 2022 being the only exception during that period.

On Wednesday, Toluca had an early opportunity to equalize on aggregate when LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead was penalized for a foul in the 18-yard box shortly after halftime. Helinho converted a left-footed penalty kick in the 49th minute.

Everardo Lopez then provided the decisive goal in the 58th minute with an impressive individual effort. He intercepted a pass while LAFC attempted to exit their defensive half, took a touch, and launched a 28-yard shot into the right side of the net, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with no chance.

LAFC concluded the match with 10 players after Ryan Porteous was shown a red card in the 86th minute for a foul that prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Toluca’s Paulinho scored twice in the stoppage time of the second half.