LAFC level, Philadelphia Union trail to start Champions Cup series | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

LAFC are level and the Philadelphia Union trail after their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 openers on Tuesday evening.

The Black & Gold drew 1-1 against storied Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense, while the Union battled to a 1-0 defeat against LIGA MX giant Club América.

The aggregate winners will advance to the tournament quarterfinals in April, chasing a CCC crown that grants a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

LAFC 1, Alajuelense 1

LAFC got a clutch second-half equalizer from Denis Bouanga but couldn't find a go-ahead goal, settling for a 1-1 draw with Alajuelense at BMO Stadium.

The Black & Gold dominated play for most of the first half, but conceded a shock opener in the 44th minute. Former Minnesota United FC midfielder Alejandro Bran converted the highlight-reel finish, ripping a first-time volley past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

In danger of entering Leg 2 with a one-goal deficit, Bouanga stepped up with a 56th-minute leveler. The Gabon international ran onto a feed from Son Heung-Min and coolly converted to the far post.

LAFC will look to close out the series in Costa Rica on March 17. The aggregate winner faces LIGA MX's CF Monterrey or Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals.

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Philadelphia Union 0, Club América 1

A first-half concession leaves Philadelphia in a 1-0 aggregate deficit against Club América following Tuesday's Leg 1 at Subaru Park. 

Raphael Veiga delivered the visitors an all-important road goal 20 minutes into the contest, converting a laser finish from inside the area past Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick.

Philadelphia's best chance at an equalizer came in the 86th minute through forward Indiana Vassilev, who skied an open look after pouncing on a giveaway at the back. 

Philadelphia play Leg 2 on March 18 in Mexico City. The aggregate winner meets Inter Miami CF or Nashville SC in the quarterfinals.

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