LAFC Opens Leagues Cup Campaign With Shootout Win Over Chivas
LOS ANGELES — LAFC opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with a dramatic result at BMO Stadium, defeating Chivas de Guadalajara 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the two sides finished regulation tied 1-1.
The matchup brought together two of North America’s most recognizable clubs and produced an energetic atmosphere in Los Angeles. From the opening whistle, both teams looked willing to attack, creating an open first half with opportunities at both ends of the field.
LAFC found the breakthrough in the 38th minute through Denis Bouanga. Timothy Tillman started the move with a long pass toward David Martínez on the right side. Martínez created space before delivering the ball into the penalty area, where Bouanga finished with a right-footed volley to put the Black & Gold ahead 1-0.
The goal was another milestone for Bouanga, giving him his 14th career Lea
gues Cup goal and moving him into a tie for the competition’s all-time scoring lead.
Chivas responded rather than allowing LAFC to take control of the match. The Liga MX side continued to pressure the Black & Gold and eventually found an equalizer through Roberto Alvarado, bringing the match level at 1-1.
Neither side was able to produce a winner before the end of regulation, sending the match directly to penalties under the Leagues Cup format.
With an additional tournament point on the line, LAFC remained composed from the spot. The shootout stayed close as both clubs converted their early attempts, but the Black & Gold ultimately gained the advantage.
Jude Terry stepped up for the decisive penalty and converted, sealing a 5-4 shootout victory and giving LAFC two points from its opening Phase One match.
The result extended LAFC’s strong record at BMO Stadium in Leagues Cup competition and provided an important start to a difficult Phase One schedule featuring three Liga MX opponents.
Bouanga once again provided the attacking spark, while LAFC showed composure in a high-pressure shootout against a Chivas side backed by a significant traveling presence in Los Angeles.
With the opening match secured, LAFC turned its attention to its next Leagues Cup challenge against Toluca as the Black & Gold continued their push for a place in the knockout stage.
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