LAFC2 advanced to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Friday night, defeating Ventura County FC 1-0 in the Western Conference Final at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
A 63rd-minute goal from striker Marius Aiyenero proved the difference as the Black & Gold defense repelled several late advances from the Galaxy's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to hang on for the victory and lift the first trophy in the four-year history of LAFC's MLS NEXT Pro side.
LAFC2 entered the match seeded sixth in the West while VCFC was the third seed after leading the Western Conference in regular-season goals. However, it was LAFC2 who appeared to strike first in the 34th minute when centerback Giuliano Whitchurch headed a corner kick from Skylar Kaplan past the VCFC goalkeeper and in, but the goal was waved off by the referee for goalkeeper interference.
Eighteen minutes in to the second half, LAFC2 forward Charlie Kosakoff threaded a pass from the right channel into the path of Aiyenero at the top of the hosts' penalty area. The 18-year-old touched it once then lifted it just over sprawling Galaxy keeper Sebastian Conlon to give Fabian Sandoval's side a 1-0 lead that it would not relinquish.
LAFC2 goalkeeper Ethan Scally turned in another sterling performance in goal, contributing six saves on the heels of his clean sheet last weekend in Austin, Texas, against the tournament's top seed, Austin FC II.
Friday night's result was LAFC2's third straight road win in these 2026 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, Sandoval's men having also beaten Houston Dynamo 2 in the quarterfinal round on penalties, in Houston.
LAFC2 will face the winner of Sunday's Eastern Conference Final between Columbus Crew 2 and Chattanooga FC in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final, with date, kickoff time, and location yet to be determined.
