05 June 2023 , 11:51
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With Dr Dre in attendance, Los Angeles FC supporters unfurled a Mortal Kombat-styled tifo before kick-off before the MLS Cup champions fell to defeat in the Concacaf Champions League final.
On Wednesday, the Falcons were beaten 2-1 away from home in the first leg of the showpiece clash against Club León, with two first-half goals from the Mexican outfit proving the difference between the two sides. A 96th-minute consolation strike from Denis Bouanga did offer hope that LAFC could turn the tie around in the home leg four days later.
Fast forward to Sunday and it as was clear that the home team fans inside the BMO Stadium were hoping to inspire Steve Cherundolo's team to victory, with an intimidating atmosphere having built prior to kick-off. Alongside filling the air with pyrotechnics, the fans also unveiled a striking tifo in the style of Mortal Kombat which read 'FINISH 'EM'.
Their hopes of these scenes having a galvanising effect on the players would, ultimately, fail to transpire though, with the Liga MX handling the pressure well to finish off the job with a 1-0 win on the night. This dashed hopes of the MLS producing yet another winner of the continental competition, with Seattle Sounders having triumphed over Pumas a year before.
In spite of an evenly contested first 20 minutes, León were able to see out the game following an Ivan Moreno strike to reign victorious. LAFC's opponents also were able to earn themselves a place in next year's Club World Cup, which will take place in December in Saudi Arabia.
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On top of qualifying for the tournament at the end of the year, the Mexican side also potentially earned the chance to take part in the the expanded Club World Cup. The competition will take place in 2025 and consist of 32-teams.
Hip hop legend Dr Dre attended the Concacaf Champions League final as LAFC lost to Club León. (Maximiliano Bretos (Twitter: @MaxBretosSports))The spectacle did seem to capture the imaginations of everyone from ardent supporters right through to hip hop royalty, with the legendary Dr Dre having attended the game. The former N.W.A star was pictured during the game, even featuring on the big screen at the BMO Stadium and seemed to be enjoying the final, in spite of LAFC's woes.
In all, coach Cherundolo will be disappointed to have seen his side fall at the final hurdle in this year's Concacaf Champions League. However, there is no doubt that the team's run has certainly leave him hopeful that the Falcons can become the second MLS side to taste victory in this side next time around.
For now, LAFC will resume its 2023 MLS season with a clash versus Atlanta United on Wednesday. The Southern Californians currently sit in third position in the Western Conference standings.