In a thrilling League Cup opener that went down to the wire, Los Angeles Football Club (LA FC) edged out Chivas Guadalajara in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The clash took place on Thursday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, where LA FC and Chivas Guadalajara (Mexico) battled to a 1-1 draw before LA FC clinched a 5-4 victory in the ensuing shootout.
The League Cup stands as North America’s premier club competition, pitting the best of Major League Soccer (MLS) against Liga MX powerhouses. In the opening round, teams face off against three opponents from the rival league, with the top four from each league advancing to the knockout stages.
Per tournament regulations, matches deadlocked after regulation time proceed directly to penalties. LA FC’s hard-fought win earned them two points, while Chivas picked up one for their efforts.
Following their single-point debut, LA FC is set to lock horns with Toluca at the same venue on August 9. The two sides are no strangers, having split results in this season’s Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions Cup.
Son Heung-min, deployed as the spearhead of LA FC’s attack, saw his four-game scoring streak come to an end. Before making way for Tyler Boyd in the 86th minute, Son managed one shot on target, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts without adding to his impressive tally.
Chivas came out of the gates with high-intensity pressure and rapid attacks, but their final ball lacked the precision needed to carve out clear-cut chances.
LA FC weathered the early storm and hit back with swift counterattacks spearheaded by Son and Dennis Bouanga. Son excelled in his link-up play, while Bouanga made incisive runs from wide areas, peppering the Chivas goal with attempts.
LA FC broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when David Martinez whipped in a cross from the right flank, which Bouanga met with a clinical finish.
The jubilation was short-lived for the home side. Just four minutes later, Chivas struck back. Roberto Alvarado exploited space behind LA FC’s backline, latching onto Bryan Gonzalez’s through ball to level the score.
After the break, Chivas ramped up the pressure, dominating possession, while LA FC adopted a more defensive stance, looking to strike on the counter.
As the tense stalemate persisted, both coaches turned to their benches in search of a game-changer. However, neither side could find the cutting edge in the final third, with clear-cut opportunities at a premium. The whistle blew on regulation time with the teams still deadlocked.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, both sides held their nerve through five rounds, each seeing one attempt saved to leave the score at 4-4. It all came down to the sixth round of spot-kicks.
LA FC goalkeeper Thomas Hasal emerged as the hero, denying Chivas captain Luis Romo’s effort. Jude Terry then stepped up for LA FC, coolly slotting home to clinch a dramatic victory for the home side.