Moran's last-minute goal salvages draw for LAFC in season finale against Rapids

On the regular season's final day, LAFC salvaged a 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Black and Gold finished with a 17-9-8 record, earning the third seed in the Western Conference and setting themselves up for a first-round battle at home against Austin FC.

Los Angeles entered decision day with a potential chance to move above San Diego for second in the conference, but their 4-0 victory over Portland ended any chances of a last-second leapfrog. LAFC lost just three times during the Son Heung-min era (final 12 matches of the season), with him and Denis Bouanga making a return to action in Colorado after a brief two-game absence.

The South Korean phenom quickly reminded the MLS world exactly what he's capable of, using some masterful footwork to dance around the Rapids' defense and get Los Angeles on the board in the 42nd minute. Unsurprisingly, the feed came from Bouanga, perfectly summarizing the tantalizing chemistry that the duo has built together.

Son wrapped up the regular season with nine scores across his last nine games, serving to provide the extra scoring spark that his club desperately needed. Both he and Bouanga will lead LAFC into the playoffs as a two-headed dragon that will have the Austin defense scrambling to gameplan for.

Bouanga ended up falling short to none other than Leo Messi in the Golden Boot race, as the Argentinian legend wrapped up 2025 with a hat trick to secure his 29th goal. 

The fun was short-lived, however, as a Hugo Lloris blunder in the 62nd minute gifted Paxton Aaronson and Colorado with the game-tying score. Unable to handle a short pass from Ryan Porteous in front of the Los Angeles net, Lloris turned it over to Aaronson, who cashed in his first MLS goal.

It looked as if LAFC had fully collapsed following another Colorado goal in the 87th minute from Darren Yapi. With the Rapids fighting for their playoff lives and desperately needing a victory, Yapi used a booming header to create a 2-1 advantage for the home side.

When all hope for the Black and Gold looked lost, an unlikely hero shined through. After Jeremy Ebobisse saw his 90th-minute shot ring off the post, Andy Moran was there to clean it up and provide the equalizer.

It was his first goal as a member of the club, coming at a time when they needed it the most. The final whistle sounded as LAFC took an otherwise frustrating performance and avoided the worst outcome.

The draw sealed Colorado's fate, seeing them finish the season 11th in the West and oficially eliminated from playoff contention. Despite being equal points-wise with ninth-place Real Salt Lake, the Rapids missed out with tiebreakers going against them.

Los Angeles can now switch their focus to the Round One Best-of-3 Series, which will begin on Friday, October 24. They will host Austin FC, looking to shake off a pair of rough regular-season performances against the road side.

Austin picked up a pair of shutout victories against LAFC, leaving them desperate for revenge in what will surely be a packed BMO Stadium. Cameras will be flicking. Lights will be shining. Moments are to be made. The most exciting time of year in MLS is just beginning.