LAFC of Major League Soccer (MLS) achieved a win through a last-minute goal, with their “Heungboo pair” remaining quiet, paving the way for their progression in the Leagues Cup competition.
LAFC beat Toluca (Mexico) 1-0 in the second match of the 2026 Leagues Cup Round 1 at BMO Stadium in California, U.S., on the 9th. This victory compensated for their difficult 2-4 total defeat against Toluca in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals in May.
The Leagues Cup provides direct quarterfinal spots for the top four teams from both the U.S. and Mexican leagues. Following a 1-1 draw against CD Guadalajara on the 6th and advancing through a penalty shootout, LAFC earned 2 points and placed 11th among U.S. teams. The game against Toluca was crucial for their chances of progressing in the tournament.
LAFC started with their best team, featuring Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. However, the match did not go as planned. Their first significant attempt only occurred in the 34th minute of the first half, as they had difficulty breaking through Toluca’s strong defense. Mathieu Choinière had a long-range shot that hit the crossbar in the 38th minute, while Bouanga missed a one-on-one opportunity in the 44th minute. Lacking offensive pressure, LAFC brought on Jude Terry and Jeremy Ebobisse in place of Son Heung-min and Timothy Tilman during the 23rd minute of the second half.
Son Heung-min, who had netted in four straight league matches, delivered a below-par performance. He didn’t attempt a single shot during his 68 minutes on the pitch before being replaced. Significantly, he has failed to score in five consecutive games against Mexican clubs since the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul earlier this season.
The rivalry between the two teams, locked in a “pointless exchange,” eventually ended in stoppage time. In the first minute of extra time, LAFC’s Eddie Segura delivered an amazing right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, splitting the goal. LAFC managed to maintain their lead and win, even as Toluca launched a late attack.
Adding 3 points, LAFC climbed to 5th position among U.S. teams. They will play against Querétaro (Mexico) in their third Leagues Cup game on the 13th.
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