LAFC have progressed to the Western Conference finals after edging bitter rivals LA Galaxy, as Chicharito 's words have come back to haunt him.
The latest instalment of El Trafico was expected to be another classic, and it certainly didn't disappoint as a 94th minute strike from Cristian Arango secured a famous 3-2 win for LAFC. Galaxy fought back twice from behind to put pressure on the hosts, but there was no time remaining for another equaliser.
LAFC are now two wins away from securing their first ever MLS Cup title, but it was made easier for them as Galaxy's big-hitters were nowhere to be seen. Riqui Puig was lucky to avoid a red card after 11 minutes, and Chicharito was a bystander despite firing a warning to LAFC before kick-off.
Chicharito talked the talk before their play-off clash with LAFC, with the former Manchester United star claiming to leave everything on the field and upset their rivals' MLS Cup dreams. But the Mexican barely got involved on Thursday night, and failed to deliver on his promise.
Instead goals came from Samuel Grandsir and substitute Dejan Joveljic, but in truth all of the major stars were quiet on a very noisy night. Carlos Vela was substituted off after a poor performance, and Giorgio Chiellini only came off the bench towards the end.
Galaxy put in a spirited performance, but were constantly chasing the game as they ended up trailing three times. And it was far from the warning that Chicharito issued LAFC on Wednesday.
Following their final practice session on Wednesday, Chicharito said: "I am going to leave everything tomorrow [Thursday]. Less words and more job and show everyone who is the best team.
"We are going to give our best because it is an important match for us, the organisation and the fans. It is going to be a tough match, but have a lot of confidence in ourselves, in the team and in the way we have been improving."
But Chicharito failed to follow up on his promise, and was a frustrated figure on enemy soil. Galaxy have gone without MLS Cup success since 2014, and it looks like LAFC could bring the title back to the other side of Los Angeles.
LAFC stormed to the Supporters Shield once again this season, for the second time in their short MLS history. The new boys in LA hold the MLS record for points recorded in a single season, goals scored in a single season, and Vela holds the record for most goals scored by a single player in one campaign.
But there's one thing missing from the list, an MLS Cup. They are now just two wins away from achieving this, but will have to get past either Austin FC or FC Dallas in the Conference final first.
