
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Dennis Bouanga scored a late penalty to equalize for LAFC, drawing 1-1 with Cruz Azul and advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. LAFC will face the winner of the Toluca FC vs. LA Galaxy matchup.
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Dennis Bouanga scored a late penalty to help LAFC draw 1-1 with defending champion Cruz Azul on Tuesday and advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. Gabriel Fernandez converted a penalty kick in the 18th to put the home team ahead, but Bouanga equalized with a right-foot shot into the bottom left corner deep in stoppage time. The LAFC, which won the first leg 3-0 with two goals from David Martinez, will play the winner of the series between Toluca FC and LA Galaxy. LAFC is aiming for its third final in the tournament after losing in the championship deciders in 2020 and 2023. Cruz Azul finished the match with 10 men after Gonzalo Piovi was sent off in the 90th minute. The Mexican club, a seven-time Champions Cup winner, was aiming to emulate Club América, the last team to clinch back-to-back titles in the 2014-15 and 2015-16. \\\_ AP soccer:
LAFC secured their spot by drawing 1-1 with Cruz Azul, thanks to a late penalty scored by Dennis Bouanga.
LAFC will play the winner of the series between Toluca FC and LA Galaxy in the semifinals.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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