Los Angeles FC cruise into MLS Cup final after Austin romp

A first-half goal from Colombian striker Cristian Arango, a second-half own goal from Austin's Maxi Urruti and a late strike from Kwadwo Opoku sealed victory for Los Angeles at the Banc of California Stadium.

Los Angeles, an expansion team that joined Major League Soccer in 2018, will face either holders New York City or Philadelphia Union in next Saturday's MLS Cup championship match.

LA coach Steve Cherundolo's side will head into the final -- which will be played at LAFC's home ground -- brimming with confidence after Sunday's composed victory.

"We're excited to be in the MLS Cup final -- that was the objective," Cherundolo said after the triumph.

"I'm very proud of the guys. But there's still hunger and a want for more. We'll keep the level of focus as high as possible through the week and I hope we'll be having a press conference like this next Saturday."

Los Angeles had gone close with good chances failling to Jose Cifuentes and Dwnis Bouanga early on before Arango opened the scoring, nodding in Carlos Vela's corner in the 29th minute.

Los Angeles almost took a decisive advantage shortly before half-time, with Cifuentes's shot from just outside the area well saved by Brad Stuver on 43 minutes.

Austin started with more purpose in the second half, but a flurry of quick corners amounted to nothing, and soon Los Angeles were back on top.

Vela came within a whisker of doubling the hosts' lead but couldn't get enough on a glancing header from Bouanga's cross.

Moments later, right back Ryan Hollingshead worked a clever one-two on the edge of the area and unleashed a ferocious effort that Stuver did well to save.

Arango then squandered two golden opportunities after being played into space as Austin breathed again.

In the 62nd minute, though, the relentless Los Angeles pressure finally paid off.

Vela's in-swinging corner caused confusion in the six-yard box and Austin substitute Urruti headed into his own net to put Los Angeles 2-0 up.

In the 81st minute, substitute Opoku gathered a hopeful ball forward and swept a low shot past Stuver for 3-0.

Austin coach Josh Wolff said his side had been beaten by the better team.

"They were just relentless," Wolff said. "They came at us full throttle and it made it very challenging. It was tough to get a footing. They weren't going to let us get in their half and set up shop.

"When you don't have the ball and you're up against a team like that, they can put you under pressure."