LAFC level, Philadelphia trail to start Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

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

The Black & Gold are facing off against storied Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense, while the Union are battling 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 at BMO Stadium.

The Black & Gold dominated play for most of the first half, but conceded a shock opener just before halftime. Ex-Minnesota United FC midfielder Alejandro Bran converted the highlight-reel finish, ripping a perfectly placed first-time volley past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

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

LAFC close out the series at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica on March 17.

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

Philadelphia play Leg 2 on March 18 at Club América's Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 

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