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LAFC are in the driver\u2019s seat thanks to a commanding 3-0 win<\/a> over Cruz Azul last week at BMO Stadium, led by a wonderful David Mart\u00ednez<\/a> brace and Son Heung-Min<\/a>‘s sliding finish.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n That prompted the Black & Gold to rotate heavily for their Saturday trip to the Portland Timbers<\/a>. They suffered a 2-1 defeat<\/a> as a result, ending their place atop the Supporters\u2019 Shield and Western Conference standings, but odds are head coach Marc Dos Santos won\u2019t fret too much given the bigger picture and emphasis on capturing the CCC title.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n LAFC have fallen heartbreakingly short in this competition before, losing the 2020 and 2023 finals. Now, with a 3-0 aggregate lead in tow, and the likes of Son and Mart\u00ednez well rested, the Black & Gold are favored to advance.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n