CARSON, Calif. - There are new kings of the Western Conference!
LAFC2 continued their remarkable postseason run, defeating Ventura County FC 1-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday night to punch their ticket to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final.
Fabian Sandoval’s squad entered the Western Conference Final riding a wave of momentum, having won back-to-back games on the road against Houston Dynamo 2 and Austin FC II.
After a scoreless first half, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when 18-year-old Marcus Aiyenero found the back of the net following a threaded pass from Charlie Kasakoff to give LAFC2 the 1-0 lead.
Ventura County FC continued to push for an equalizer, but LAFC2 stood tall defensively to secure the win.
With the victory, LAFC2 became the lowest seed ever to make an MLS NEXT Pro Cup final.
Goals
63’ LAFC2 – Marcus Aiyenero | WATCH
Man of the Match
The Man of the Match honors went to Marcus Aiyenero, whose 63rd-minute strike proved to be the difference in Friday’s Western Conference Final.
The goal was the second of the 2026 postseason for the 18-year-old Canadian, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, sealing LAFC2’s place in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final.
Chattanooga/Columbus Crew 2 awaits
One more road victory stands between LAFC2 and MLS NEXT Pro Cup glory.
After winning the Western Conference Final trophy, LAFC2 will head east to face either Chattanooga FC or Columbus Crew 2 in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final.
Regardless of who their opponent ends up being, LAFC2 will be entering unfamiliar territory, facing a team they’ve never faced before.
To become champions, LAFC2 will need to earn a fourth consecutive postseason road win, matching the feat Austin FC II accomplished on their way to lifting the trophy in 2023.
Sandoval’s squad have already shown they’re not afraid of the big moments. But do they have one more road warrior moment in them?
