LAFC Edge Chivas in Penalty Shootout After Entertaining Leagues Cup Opener
Denis Bouanga #99 and Daniel Aguirre battling possession (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Bouanga Opens the Scoring as BMO Stadium Comes Alive
There was no shortage of excitement Wednesday night as LAFC kicked off its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Liga MX powerhouse Chivas Guadalajara at a packed BMO Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup delivered exactly what fans expected—quality attacking soccer, a playoff-like atmosphere, and late drama that ultimately required a penalty shootout to separate the two clubs.
From kickoff, both sides played with intensity. LAFC looked comfortable in possession while Chivas relied on quick transitions to threaten the home side. Every challenge was met with loud reactions from the crowd as supporters from both clubs created one of the best atmospheres BMO Stadium has seen this season.
Denis Bouanga Scoring the first of the night (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Bouanga Breaks the Deadlock
After an evenly contested opening half hour, LAFC found the breakthrough in the 38th minute.
The move started with David Martínez, who spotted Denis Bouanga making a run into space. Martínez delivered a perfectly weighted pass that allowed the Gabon international to attack the penalty area with confidence. Bouanga calmly finished past Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, giving LAFC a deserved 1-0 advantage and sending the home supporters into celebration.
The goal marked another big moment for Bouanga, who once again showed why he remains one of Major League Soccer's most dangerous attacking players. His pace, movement, and composure in front of goal constantly forced Chivas' defense onto the back foot.
Ricardo Alvarado #25 Chivas Striker (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Chivas Respond Before Halftime
LAFC's lead, however, lasted only a few minutes.
Chivas answered in the 42nd minute after building a dangerous attack down the left side. Bryan González delivered a precise cross into the box where Roberto Alvarado found enough space to guide his finish into the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted momentum just before halftime and ensured both clubs headed to the locker room with everything still to play for.
Despite conceding, LAFC had enjoyed several positive moments during the opening 45 minutes and remained confident heading into the second half.
LAFC battling for possession (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Chances at Both Ends
The pace of the match remained high after the restart as neither team settled for a draw.
LAFC continued creating opportunities through Bouanga, Martínez, and Javairô Dilrosun, who repeatedly stretched Chivas' back line with direct attacking runs. The Black & Gold spent long stretches in possession and looked the more dangerous side whenever they attacked in transition.
Chivas, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counterattack. Roberto Alvarado continued to influence the game, while Cade Cowell's speed caused problems whenever the visitors found space behind LAFC's defense.
Goalkeeper Thomas Hasal came up with several confident plays inside his penalty area, while LAFC's back line stood strong against Chivas' late pressure. On the opposite end, Raúl Rangel produced important saves to deny LAFC a second goal and keep the match level.
As the clock wound down, both clubs pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough. After 90 entertaining minutes, the match remained tied at one goal apiece, sending the contest directly to penalties under Leagues Cup rules.
Mark Delgado #8 Challenging for possession (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
LAFC Hold Their Nerve
Penalty shootouts often come down to composure, and LAFC showed exactly that.
Denis Bouanga confidently converted the opening kick before both sides continued exchanging successful penalties. Every attempt increased the pressure as the shootout remained even deep into the sequence.
The turning point came when LAFC goalkeeper Thomas Hasal denied Luis Romo from the penalty spot, giving the Black & Gold a chance to take control.
Young midfielder Jude Terry stepped up to take the decisive penalty and calmly buried his effort into the corner, sealing a 5-4 shootout victory for LAFC and earning the extra point in the Leagues Cup standings.
The celebrations that followed reflected just how important the result could become later in the tournament.
(Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
Standout Performers
Denis Bouanga once again proved to be LAFC's biggest difference-maker. Beyond opening the scoring, he consistently challenged defenders with his pace and creativity, creating problems throughout the night whenever he got on the ball.
David Martínez also impressed with his vision and composure, delivering the assist on Bouanga's goal while helping drive LAFC's attack from wide areas.
Thomas Hasal played a crucial role despite only facing a handful of clear chances during regulation. His penalty save against Luis Romo proved to be the defining moment of the shootout and gave LAFC the opportunity to secure the victory.
For Chivas, Roberto Alvarado was their standout player. After scoring the equalizer before halftime, he remained active throughout the match and was one of the visitors' most dangerous attacking threats.
Heung Min Son #7 almost gets past goalkeeper Tala Rangel #1 (Photo By: Juan Hernandez)
A Strong Start to the Tournament
Although the match officially finished 1-1 after regulation, LAFC walked away with the extra point thanks to its flawless performance from the penalty spot. Opening the Leagues Cup against one of Liga MX's biggest clubs was always expected to be a difficult challenge, but Steve Cherundolo's squad showed resilience by responding to Chivas' pressure and staying composed when the match was on the line.
With momentum now on their side, LAFC will look to build on the result as Phase One continues. If Wednesday night's performance is any indication, the Black & Gold have once again positioned themselves as one of the teams capable of making a deep run in this year's Leagues Cup.