Full Breakdown
LAFC Advances Past Chivas de Guadalajara in Penalty Shootout
8/6/2026, 11:14:34 AM
Match Overview
In the opening round of the 2026 Leagues Cup, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) faced Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The teams finished regulation time locked at 1-1, sending the contest to a penalty shootout. LAFC prevailed 5-4, securing the extra point awarded for a shootout win.
Key Moments
The decisive first-half strike came in the 38th minute when David Martínez delivered a split-second pass to Denis Bouanga, who slotted a right-footed shot into the far corner. Chivas equalized just before halftime; Bryan González threaded a through ball to Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado, whose left-foot finish struck the post before crossing the line. In the second half, LAFC’s Thomas Hasal made a crucial save in the 88th minute, denying Alvarado’s header and preserving the draw. During the shootout, Bouanga converted LAFC’s opening penalty, and 17-year-old homegrown midfielder Jude Terry calmly placed the decisive spot-kick past Mexican international goalkeeper Raúl Rangel.
Impact on Leagues Cup
The victory awarded LAFC two points in the group table, a margin that could prove pivotal as the club seeks to maintain its post-World Cup momentum. The win also moved Bouanga back to the top of the all-time Leagues Cup scoring list, tying Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi with 14 goals, according to the mlssoccer report. LAFC will look to build on this result when they meet 2025 Liga MX champions Toluca in their next fixture.
Official Statements & Responses
He highlighted the significance of the extra point and warned that the upcoming match against Toluca will be “very demanding for us.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Saturday is going to be very demanding for us,” — Dos Santos, manager
- “The goal is a golazo from us,” — Dos Santos, manager
