LAFC are going back to MLS Cup! Defending champions book date with Columbus Crew by taking down Houston Dynamo in Western Conference final

It was a battle of the 2022 MLS Cup champions vs the 2023 U.S. Open Cup winners and, ultimately, it was a tight, nervy clash. While the Eastern Conference finale proved to be a back-and-forth goal-fest, the Western Conference portion was more of a grind, with LAFC emerging as the survivor.

Ryan Hollingshead, who scored two goals against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round after scoring just four during the regular season, got himself on the scoresheet again with the only finish LAFC would ultimately need. After Giorgio Chiellini saw his shot cleared off the line, Hollingshead pushed it home in the 44th minute, giving his side a lead they'd never relinquish.

A late own goal from the Dynamo's Franco Escober effectively sealed their fate as LAFC marched on to their second consecutive MLS Cup.

All of a sudden, Hollingshead has turned into something of a goalscorer, huh? The fullback has been a trusted veteran in this league for about a decade, and he has popped up with a few goals during his career. None will be as important as the one he scored on Saturday as he helped give LAFC another crack at an MLS Cup.

The goal comes as part of a season that also saw him named to the MLS All-Star team for the first time, and the 32-year-old's big 2023 could be capped with one final trophy just in time for the holiday season.

It'll be a tough one to swallow for Escobar, whose unfortunate own goal helped his former team take down his new club. After playing 22 times for LAFC last season, Escober joined the Dynamo for 2023 and has been ever-present throughout the team's run. Unfortunately, he scored an own goal that sealed his team's fate in LA on Saturday night.

After lifting the trophy with a win over the Philadelphia Union on their home field last season, LAFC will have to go on the road to lift this season's MLS Cup. Up next for them is a trip to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew, who booked their date with a come-from-behind win over FC Cincinnati in Saturday's other semifinal.