LOS ANGELES, Calif. — LAFC earned the extra point in its opening 2026 Leagues Cup match after defeating Chivas de Guadalajara in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw through regulation at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night.
Photo by: Chivas
In front of a sold-out crowd featuring thousands of supporters from both clubs, the highly anticipated MLS-Liga MX showdown lived up to expectations with an intense, back-and-forth battle.
LAFC opened the scoring in the 38th minute when Denis Bouanga finished a well-worked attacking move to put the Black & Gold ahead. Chivas responded just before halftime as Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado found the equalizer in the 42nd minute, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
Photo by: Chivas
The second half featured chances for both sides, with LAFC creating dangerous opportunities in transition while Chivas pushed for a go-ahead goal through sustained possession and pressure in the attacking third. Strong defensive performances and key saves kept the score unchanged through the final whistle.
Under Leagues Cup rules, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout to determine which club would earn the tournament’s additional point.
Both teams converted several penalties before LAFC ultimately came out on top. Midfielder Jude Terry stepped up and calmly buried the decisive penalty kick, sealing the shootout victory and securing the extra point for the Black & Gold.
Although Chivas left Los Angeles with a point from the regulation draw, the shootout victory gave LAFC valuable momentum to begin its Leagues Cup campaign. The match also showcased the growing intensity of the competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, with a playoff-like atmosphere from kickoff to the final penalty.
LAFC will now look to carry that confidence into its next Leagues Cup fixture, while Chivas turns its attention to bouncing back in the remainder of the tournament.
Final Score: LAFC 1, Chivas 1
Penalty Shootout: LAFC won the shootout, with Jude Terry converting the game-winning penalty.
