LAFC rally for draw; Cruz Azul get last laugh; América edge Philadelphia | OneFootball

No Major League Soccer action midweek as our eyes turn to the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Here is what went down. 

LAFC rally for draw

Scorers: Bouanga 56'; Bran 44' 

LAFC rallied for a 1-1 draw in front of home fans while hosting Alajuelense on Tuesday, ensuring it's all to play for in the second leg. 

After Alejandro Bran came out of nowhere and perfectly struck his volley home from well outside the box, the hosts turned up the fire to see things end all square.

Bran's strike, meanwhile, will surely be up for goal of the tournament.

LAFC then registered a total of 25 shots over 90 minutes, leading to 77% possession of the ball and 12 attempts on target. Such figures led to an eventual equalizer.

Denis Bouanga found himself in the right place at the right time to send the ball into the far side of the net while standing at a tight angle on the counter. Check it out.

After hosting St. Louis in MLS, LAFC now face Alajuelense in the second leg on 17 March.

Cruz Azul stun 10-man Monterrey

Scorers: De la Rosa 35', 40'; Lira 25', Piovi 84' (P), Ibanez 90'. Red: Mele 80'

The first leg of this all-Mexican affair between Monterrey and Cruz Azul delivered pure drama as Cruz Azul rallied for a 3-2 victory thanks to a unique goalkeeper situation.

In a busy first half, the opener arrived through the visitors as Erik Lira's poked effort managed to scrape past goalkeeper Santiago Mele. 

But things changed swiftly thanks to the talents of one man: Roberto de la Rosa. 

The 26-year-old led the line in front of home fans and scored twice in the span of five minutes. The first a redirected effort and the second a composed finish into the bottom corner.

It appeared as though Monterrey would hold on for the win, until the final 10 minutes. 

Goalkeeper Mele was shown a second yellow which not only saw him go walking, but also allowed Gonzalo Piovi to slot home the penalty equalizer.

To make things even worse, with zero subs remaining, it was defender John Stefan Medina between the posts.

The pressure proved too much in the end and a late goal from Nicolas Ibanez beat the centre-back in goal, ensuring Cruz Azul hold the advantage ahead of March 17.

Club América edge Philadelphia Union

Scorers: Veiga 20'

The first leg in Philly was a lowly event for the Union, as Club América grabbed a marginal advantage after 90 minutes of play. The difference came down to only one moment of magic.

Thirty-year-old attacking midfielder Raphael Veiga was left unmarked in the box, and as Brian Rodríguez cut through the Union defence, he was allowed to easily collect the ball and set himself up for the volley home.

Goalkeeper Andrew Rick unfortunately, couldn't get a hand to it for the hosts.

As the clock read over 70 minutes and change remaining, the Union failed to muster up any real bite in their attack. By the end of full-time, they had zero shots on target and therefore fell short of a potential equalizer or overall comeback.

Club América will love the slim lead heading into the second leg, but there is still plenty left to play for on March 18 in Mexico City.

📸 Isaiah Vazquez - 2026 Getty Images