LAFC stun Toluca in Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

LAFC dramatically defeated LIGA MX powerhouse Toluca FC, 2-1, in the first leg of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals thanks to Nkosi Tafari's stoppage-time goal on Wednesday evening at BMO Stadium.

The center back's close-range header off a pinpoint assist from South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min in the 91st minute gave the Black & Gold a narrow advantage ahead of Leg 2, which is slated for May 6 at Estadio Nemesio Díez.

LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman also found the back of the net, scoring the opener in the 51st minute after setting himself up for a vicious volley. 

The hosts thought they doubled their advantage three minutes after Tillman's strike, only to see Jacob Shaffelburg's far-post finish disallowed upon Video Review. Toluca then equalized with an all-important road goal through Jesús Angulo's 73rd-minute tally.

With the match close to ending in a frustrating 1-1 draw, LAFC snatched back the aggregate lead when Son and Tafari combined for the game's final goal. 

LAFC also benefited from superb goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris, whose double-save kept the match scoreless just before halftime.

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