LAFC stun Toluca in Champions Cup semis Leg 1 | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

LAFC dramatically defeated LIGA MX powerhouse Toluca FC, 2-1, in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals thanks to a last-minute goal from defender Nkosi Tafari on Wednesday at BMO Stadium.

The center back's close-range header off a pinpoint assist from South Korea international superstar Son Heung-min in the 91st minute affords the Black & Gold a narrow advantage ahead of Leg 2, which is slated for next Wednesday at Estadio Nemesio Díez.

Midfielder Timothy Tillman also found the back of the net for LAFC, scoring the first goal of the series in the 51st-minute after setting himself up for a long-distance volley. 

The hosts thought they doubled the advantage just three minutes after Tillman's opener, only to see Jacob Shaffelburg's far-post finish disallowed on Video Review following a lengthy delay. Toluca then equalized with an all-important road goal through Jesús Angulo's 73rd-minute strike.

With the match minutes from ending in a frustrating 1-1 draw, LAFC instead snatched the aggregate lead back with Son and Tafari combining for the game's final goal. 

The Black & Gold also benefited from some superb goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris, including a highlight-reel double-save that kept the match scoreless just before halftime.

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