This midweek saw the national tournaments reach their semi-final stage with MLS sides looking to take the final spots. In the end that would be the case, with Toronto and Vancouver advancing to the Canadian Championship final and Kansas City and LAFC making the US Open Cup final.
Canadian Championship
Toronto was the first side to secure their spot in the final after they defeated Forge FC. These ties were played other two legs and it was the Canadian Premier League side that had the control after a 2-1 win in the previous match-up.
Toronto would have to wait till the second half to take the lead in the match when Federico Bernardeschi’s cross found Lorenzo Insigne isolated at the back post as the experienced winger volleyed home. That goal meant the tie was level but as away goals were in effect Toronto held the advantage. Forge attempted to find the winner late on, but they could not score past Sean Johnson.
In the other tie Vancouver Whitecaps had a one-goal lead after a victory against Pacific FC, in Langford, in the first match. The goalscorer in that game was Ryan Gauld and he would manage to repeat that feat early on in this game when Brian White’s initial shot was saved by Emil Gazdov before Gauld followed in the rebound.
With a two-goal lead in the tie, Vancouver looked to put it beyond doubt, and despite not being able to add any more goals they controlled the game and ensured they made the final.
The final between Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto will take place at BC Place on Wednesday, September 25 at 7 pm PT.
US Open Cup
The 2024 US Open Cup has been an extremely controversial one with only eight MLS sides taking part compared to the 26 that took part in 2023. This year’s competition could be the last ever one with MLS sides in it as there is still no agreement on what will happen next year. Despite that, the final will still be an all-MLS affair after a low-scoring set of semi-finals.
Indy Eleven were the only USL Championship side that had managed to make this stage of the competition, and their reward was a tie against Sporting Kansas.
The MLS side took the lead in stunning style, in the 14th minute when Scotsman Johnny Russell put them in front from 25 yards out after being given too much time to shoot. That lead would become two as Remi Walter’s cross was able to find Daniel Rosero Valencia who headed home.
Despite Indy Eleven managing to create a couple of big chances in the second half they were not able to get a goal. Alan Pulido had the chance to wrap the tie-up late on when he stepped up for a penalty. However, that was saved by Hunter Suite.
Losing Leagues Cup finalists LAFC were looking to put that behind them and advance to the US Open Cup final. It took a long time for a goal in this tie, but the opportunity would arrive for LAFC, against Seattle, when they won a penalty with only eight minutes to go in the match.
Denis Bouanga stepped up to take it and he placed it with power and precision to the keeper's left. LAFC were able to hang on from there to book their place in the final.
As LAFC have already qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League, the spot for winning the US Open Cup will go to Sporting Kansas City for making the final.
The US Open Cup final between LAFC and Sporting Kansas City will take place at BMO Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.
