LAFC Survive Querétaro Test in Penalty Shootout to Keep Leagues Cup Hopes Alive
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
LAFC kept its Leagues Cup campaign alive Wednesday night, but it took another penalty shootout to get there.
The Black & Gold played Querétaro to a 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium before prevailing 5-3 on penalties, earning two points and finishing Phase One with seven points. The result kept LAFC's hopes of reaching the Leagues Cup quarterfinals alive, although their advancement would depend on results elsewhere.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
Querétaro Strikes First
Querétaro came out aggressively and immediately put LAFC under pressure. The Liga MX side created an early opportunity before finding the breakthrough in the 12th minute.
After Hugo Lloris made the initial save, Alí Ávila reacted quickest to the rebound, heading the ball into the net to give Querétaro a 1-0 advantage. It was a difficult start for LAFC, who entered the night knowing that anything less than a strong result could end their tournament.
The early goal forced LAFC to chase the match, but Querétaro remained organized and made it difficult for the hosts to create clear chances.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
Bouanga Brings LAFC Back
LAFC found its response in the second half through the player who has consistently delivered in big moments.
Denis Bouanga equalized in the 57th minute, bringing LAFC level at 1-1 and giving the home side renewed momentum. The goal was particularly significant for Bouanga, as it moved him to 15 career Leagues Cup goals, making him the competition's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous mark of 14.
The Gabonese forward's goal changed the momentum of the match, but neither team could find the decisive second goal during the remainder of regulation.
LAFC pushed for the winner while Querétaro continued to defend its position, ultimately forcing the match into another Leagues Cup penalty shootout.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
LAFC Wins It From the Spot
With the score still tied after 90 minutes, the extra point had to be decided from the penalty spot.
LAFC was perfect.
The Black & Gold converted all five of their attempts, while Querétaro missed one of its four kicks. That gave LAFC a 5-3 shootout victory and another two points toward its Phase One total.
Among the successful penalty takers was Son Heung-min, who calmly converted his attempt as LAFC completed another shootout victory in this year's competition.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
A Point That Keeps the Door Open
The victory was important, but LAFC knew entering the match that a regulation-time win would have put them in a much stronger position.
Instead, the shootout victory moved LAFC to seven points after three matches. Their Phase One campaign included a shootout win over Chivas de Guadalajara, a 1-0 regulation victory over Toluca, and the draw against Querétaro followed by another shootout victory.
Under the Leagues Cup format, teams receive three points for a regulation win, two for a shootout win and one for a shootout loss. Only the top four MLS clubs advance to the quarterfinals.
LAFC finished the night inside the top four, but their place was not yet guaranteed. Austin FC and Chicago Fire remained in contention with games still to play, meaning LAFC had to wait for the remaining results to determine whether its seven points would be enough.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez
What's Next for LAFC?
LAFC's Phase One campaign is officially complete, but its Leagues Cup journey may not be.
The Black & Gold did their part by earning the extra point against Querétaro, but now their quarterfinal hopes rest partly on what happens around the league.
For a team that reached the Leagues Cup final in 2024, LAFC will be hoping Wednesday's shootout victory is enough to extend its run into the knockout rounds.
One thing is certain: LAFC is still alive.