Topics: Dénis Bouanga, Carlos Vela, LAFC, Portland Timbers, MLS
The Black and Gold beat the Timbers 2-1, with the final goal coming in the dying minutes of stoppage time.

It is official: LAFC are the winners of the 2022 Supporters' Shield! The MLS giants secured this achievement during their exciting showdown with Portland Timbers on Sunday, but little did anyone know how dramatic this triumph would be.

The Californian heavyweights traveled to Providence Park for this tie knowing a victory would suffice. Mexican sensation Carlos Vela set the visitors on their way, scoring a lovely goal from outside the box in the 51st minute. Unfortunately, Dairon Asprilla grabbed an equalizer for the hosts and the Black and Gold began fearing the worst.

However, here is where Dénis Bouanga steps in. The Gabonese winger, who hadn't scored in the MLS prior to this moment, grabbed the winning goal deep into stoppage time, at 90+5 to be precise, to seal the crucial victory for Steve Cherundolo's men. Check out his unforgettable moment in the video below.

And just like that, the title of regular-season champions went to LAFC, meaning Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union miss out on this prize despite their late push.

Two well-known names who got to enjoy this success were Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini, the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstars who have waved goodbye to Europe in favor of the MLS over the past few months. The Italian center-back did not feature but the Welsh winger came on with a few minutes of normal time left to help his side find the breakthrough.

LAFC's Supporters' Shield victory secures them a bye to the Conference semifinals and the top seed – and subsequently, the home field advantage in the playoffs and the 2022 MLS Cup final on November 5, should Vela and Co. go all the way.