Chivas Draw LAFC in Their Leagues Cup 2026 Opener | OneFootball

Los Angeles, California – Guadalajara delivered an impressive performance but were unable to capitalize on their chances, settling for a 1-1 draw against LAFC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in their opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup. The extra point awarded through the post-match penalty shootout went to the home side, which came out on top from the spot.

Chivas played with intensity and purpose throughout the 90 minutes, creating several dangerous opportunities but lacking the finishing touch needed to reflect their superiority on the scoreboard. LAFC struck first with their first real chance of the match shortly before halftime, but Mexico’s most beloved club responded immediately, leveling the score just a few minutes later.

The second half followed a similar script, with the Rojiblancos dictating the tempo while the Black & Gold struggled to maintain possession and relied on quick counterattacks to create danger. Guadalajara now turns its attention to its next challenge, as the team will travel to San Jose on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s clash against FC Dallas at PayPal Park in its second match of the tournament.

Goals

* 37’ – The hosts took the lead when Tillman played Martínez down the right flank, and his low cross into the middle of the box was tapped home by Bouanga.* 41’ – CHIVAS RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY! ‘Cotorro’ brought down a long switch of play near the sideline, cut inside, and slipped a perfectly weighted through ball to ‘Piojo’, who finished with a left-footed strike that hit the inside of the right post before finding the back of the net.

Dangerous Chances

* 9’ – Omar Govea created space outside the box and tried his luck from distance, but his effort was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.* 13’ – A long ball from midfield sent ‘Piojo’ through on goal, but Porteous recovered brilliantly to poke the ball away for a corner before he could shoot.* 21’ – Govea won possession high up the pitch and laid the ball off to Álvarez, whose powerful first-time effort sailed over the crossbar.* 29’ – Efraín burst forward at full speed before threading a pass into the path of ‘Hormiga’, whose first-time shot flew over the goal.* 49’ – Chivas patiently worked the ball around LAFC’s penalty area until Alvarado found space to shoot, but the goalkeeper gathered the powerful attempt.* 53’ – Efraín rattled the crossbar! After his free kick was blocked by the wall, ‘Efra’ struck the rebound first time and his thunderous effort clipped the crossbar.* 59’ – Álvarez fired another shot from the edge of the box, but couldn’t find the target.* 69’ – Castillo combined with ‘Cotorro’ down the left, whose cross was cleared by the defense just before ‘Hormiga’ could tap it in.* 70’ – Richy delivered a low diagonal ball that ‘Oso’ struck powerfully, only to see it crash off the crossbar.* 74’ – ‘Tala’ Rangel came up with a spectacular save, getting his fingertips to a dangerous free kick that was headed toward the inside of the left post.

Match Summary

Los Angeles FC 1 (5) – (4) 1 GuadalajaraGoals: Dénis Bouanga 37’; Roberto Alvarado 41’Referee: César Arturo RamosVenue: BMO Stadium

Penalty Shootout

LAFC: (5)Guadalajara: (4)

Lineups

LAFC: Thomas Hasal (12), Ryan Porteous (5), Yevhen Cheberko (23), Ryan Hollingshead (24), Nkosi Burgess (91), Marco Delgado (8), Timothy Tillman (11), Mathieu Choinière (66), Heung Son (7), David Martínez (30), Dénis Bouanga (99).Head Coach: Marc Dos Santos.

Guadalajara: Raúl Rangel (1), Richard Ledezma (37), José Castillo (2), Daniel Aguirre (23, booked 80’), Luis Romo (7), Bryan González (5), Rubén González (28, booked 12’), Omar Govea (6), Efraín Álvarez (10, Brian Gutiérrez 11’ on 70’), Roberto Alvarado (25), Armando González (34).Head Coach: Gabriel Milito (booked 14’).