LAFC Defeats Cruz Azul In Thrilling CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash
LAFC Defeats Cruz Azul In Thrilling CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash...
Los Angeles FC secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over Mexico's Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday night at BMO Stadium. The match, played before a raucous crowd of 22,000, saw LAFC take control with goals from Denis Bouanga, Timothy Tillman, and Mateusz Bogusz.
The win gives LAFC a crucial advantage heading into next week's second leg in Mexico City. The tournament represents North America's premier club competition, with the winner earning a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup. LAFC is attempting to become the first MLS team to win the Champions Cup since 2020.
Tuesday's match trended across U.S. social media as American soccer fans celebrated a rare dominant performance by an MLS club against Liga MX opposition. The victory marks LAFC's first-ever win against Cruz Azul and only their second against Mexican opponents in tournament history.
Cruz Azul, one of Mexico's most storied clubs, entered the match as slight favorites. The visitors took an early lead through Uriel Antuna in the 12th minute before LAFC mounted their comeback. The turning point came when Cruz Azul's Carlos Rotondi received a controversial red card in the 55th minute.
LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo praised his team's composure after the match. "We knew the importance of getting a result at home," Cherundolo told reporters. "The guys showed tremendous character after going down early."
The second leg will be played April 16 at Estadio Azteca, where Cruz Azul will need at least a 2-0 victory to advance. The match is drawing particular attention in the U.S. as American soccer fans increasingly embrace the growing rivalry between MLS and Liga MX clubs.
Tuesday's result continues LAFC's strong start to 2026. The Black and Gold currently sit second in the MLS Western Conference and remain alive in both the Champions Cup and U.S. Open Cup. Their next MLS match comes Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
CONCACAF officials reported strong U.S. television ratings for the match, which aired on FS1. The tournament has gained prominence in recent years as MLS teams have become more competitive against their Mexican counterparts. A potential LAFC victory in the competition would mark a significant milestone for American soccer.
Cruz Azul manager MartÃn Anselmi acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We made mistakes tonight that cost us," Anselmi said through a translator. "But we're confident we can turn this around at home in front of our fans."
The winner of the series will face either Philadelphia Union or Pachuca in the semifinals. Philadelphia hosts its first leg against the Mexican side on Wednesday night.
