LAFC and Philadelphia determine the MLS Finalist against Tigres or Leon

Nearly six months after the historic MLS Cup 2022 Final, the Philadelphia Union are back in Southern California to take on LAFC at BMO Stadium. Tuesday night (10 p.m. ET | TUDN), in an “all-or-nothing” duel.

What is at stake this time in place CONCACAF Champions League 2023. Negro y Oro is starting with a bit of an advantage after earning a painful 1-1 draw at Subaru Park a week ago in the semi-final first leg.

In the important match in November, he was the winner Los Angeles Soccer Clubwhich originated in the year 2022 with both MLS Cup As with him Supporters shield.

Philadelphia Obviously in it last Things could have been very different, but for the wonderful and miraculous knockout Gareth BaleResulting in LAFC penalty shootout.

He commented in the preview, “There is history between these two teams.” Jim CurtinFederation coach.

“There are a lot of familiar faces and friends on the other side, but once the 90 minutes start I think it will be great training for the Champions League, and great match practice for our league.”

At the end of May and beginning of June, the winner of the semi-finals decided tonight will face Tigres UANL or Club León, both from LIGA MX, who will play the semi-finals on Wednesday. What was accomplished in 2022 by Seattle Sounders (who won the CONCACAF Champions League against Pumas UNAM) is within reach of the two American clubs.

“I look forward to another great game between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union,” Curtin insisted.

Steve Cherundolo – Curtin’s counterpart at LAFC – He thinks comparisons between what happened in 2022 and what could happen tonight are not entirely correct.

“Both teams are in a different moment, mentally and physically. This is something different. In an MLS Cup final, there are no away goals or any other conditions we have in this game. If you win, you win… If you lose, you lose.”

The away goal advantage is something the federation will try to capitalize on tonight. “If we score two goals, then suddenly they are in trouble,” said goalkeeper Andre Blake. “I think they have all the pressure, because we always come close to scoring. If we score one or two goals, then all of a sudden we’re in for another game.”

“We feel the matches against them are good for us,” Chirondolo deepened. “I think it’s a great game, we’re looking forward to it, and we’ll try to use our home advantage to be a little bit better.”

This semi-final is just the beginning of what will be a very intense summer, with matches played in the MLS regular season, the US Open Cup and the 2023 League Cup.

“It’s been crazy so far, and it’s going to be crazy,” Cherundolo concluded. “We wouldn’t want it any other way.”