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Bran, Bouanga trade goals in LAFC–LD Alajuelense draw LOS ANGELES – The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup continued with a 1-1 draw between LAFC and LD Alajuelense in the First Leg of their Round of 16 series on Tuesday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA. A right-footed strike from outside the box in the 44th minute by Alejandro Bran gave the reigning Concacaf Central American Cup winners the lead. The hosts equalized in the 56th minute through a collective play from midfield that found Denis Bouanga in the box, who struck a right-footed shot for the tying goal. LAFC attempted a comeback in the 80th minute with Artem Smoliakov attempting a long-range shot that missed the target. The MLS side pressed throughout the second half, but LD Alajuelense’s defensive line held firm. Goalkeeper Washington Ortega finished the match with 10 saves, delivering a standout performance. The two teams will meet again in the Second Leg on Tuesday, with LD Alajuelense hosting LAFC at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The team that wins on aggregate will advance to the Quarterfinals. LAFC have outscored opponents 17-4 in 10 all-time home matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Three of the four goals they have conceded at home in the competition have come against LD Alajuelense (two in the 2023 Round of 16). The MLS side completed 754 passes against LD Alajuelense, the highest number by any team in a Concacaf Champions Cup match since at least the 2016-17 season. This surpassed the previous record of 744 set by San Diego FC against Pumas UNAM in Round One of this season’s competition. Alejandro Bran’s 44th-minute goal came on the 13th shot attempt of the match, but it was LD Alajuelense’s first.#alejandro_bran #denis_bouanga #lafc #ld_alajuelense #washington_ortega

LAFC vs Alajuelense Preview & Prediction | 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup | Round of 16 Los Angeles FC will face Alajuelense in the Round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the first leg set to take place in California. LAFC enters the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 victory over Dallas, securing their fifth consecutive win across all competitions. The club has already demonstrated strong form in the tournament, defeating Real Espana 7-1 on aggregate in the first round. Alajuelense, meanwhile, has shown consistency in domestic play, defeating San Carlos 2-0 to claim top spot in the 2025 Costa Rican Primera Division Clausura. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with Alajuelense likely to benefit from playing at home. However, LAFC is viewed as the stronger team heading into the tie, given their recent performances and overall squad depth. The visitors will aim to build on their early success in the competition, while Alajuelense will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a positive result. For viewers, the match will be televised in the United States on TUDN and Fox Sports, with additional coverage available online via ViX and Fubo. Fans in the UK can stream the game live on the official CONCACAF YouTube channel. The prediction for the encounter favors LAFC, with both teams expected to score. The result could set the tone for the second leg, which will be played at Alajuelense’s home stadium. LAFC’s ability to maintain their winning streak and capitalize on their strong start to the campaign will be crucial in advancing further in the tournament.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #round_of_16 #costa_rican_primera_division_clausura

LAFC vs. Alajuelense: decisive night in Costa Rica with quarterfinals on the line LAFC and newly appointed head coach Marc Dos Santos face a defining test in Costa Rica tonight, with their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign hanging in the balance. The team arrived in Alajuela and trained at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto on the eve of a match that will shape the early narrative of the club’s 2026 season. The Round of 16 series is level at 1-1 on aggregate after a one-sided but ultimately frustrating first leg in Los Angeles. Despite controlling the match, LAFC failed to capitalize, allowing Alajuelense to leave BMO Stadium with a result that now shifts the pressure. The equation is simple. A win sends LAFC through. Any draw other than 0-0 or 1-1 also secures progression. A 1-1 result forces extra time, while a scoreless draw or defeat eliminates the Black & Gold. The winner advances to face either Cruz Azul or Monterrey in the quarterfinals. There is also a layer of internal pressure. LAFC has reached two Concacaf finals (2020, 2023) but has yet to win the competition. Under Steve Cherundolo, the club built a reputation as a contender that fell just short. Dos Santos now inherits that context, and an early exit would immediately raise questions about continuity and ceiling. To make matters more tense, Steven Eustáquio remains a question mark for LAFC heading into the second leg. The midfielder has now missed two matches following the injury sustained in the game officiated by Drew Fischer, and as of yesterday, he was still unavailable in training. His absence would remove a key layer of control in midfield, particularly in build-up and tempo management, placing added responsibility on LAFC’s central unit in a match where composure on the ball could prove decisive.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #marc_dos_santos #estadio_alejandro_morera_soto

Alajuelense Secures 1-0 Lead Over LAFC in Concacaf Champions Cup Fernando Pinar scored the opening goal for Alajuelense in their Concacaf Champions Cup match against Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), giving his team a 1-0 lead. The goal came in the 1st minute of the second half, with Pinar heading the ball into the upper-left corner of the net from close range following a corner kick. The strike was a crucial moment in the 8th round of the tournament, as Alajuelense looked to maintain their position in the competition. The match began with both teams showing strong defensive organization, but Alajuelense’s attack proved more effective. Pinar’s goal came after a well-executed set piece, with the striker capitalizing on a defensive lapse by LAFC. The goal sent the home crowd into celebration, as Alajuelense took control of the game in the early stages. LAFC responded with pressure in the midfield, but Alajuelense’s defense held firm, limiting the visitors’ opportunities. The match remained tightly contested, with neither team able to break the deadlock until Pinar’s decisive strike. The 1-0 scoreline at halftime reflected Alajuelense’s dominance in the first half, as they managed to neutralize LAFC’s attacking threats. The goal by Pinar was a testament to his positioning and timing, as he was able to react quickly to the corner kick and redirect the ball past the goalkeeper. This performance highlighted Alajuelense’s ability to create chances in set pieces, a strength that could prove vital in the knockout stages of the tournament. As the match progressed, LAFC made tactical adjustments to counter Alajuelense’s threat, but the hosts’ defense remained resolute. The 1-0 lead at halftime put Alajuelense in a favorable position, setting the stage for a potentially decisive second half.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #fernando_pinar #concacaf_champions_cup_8th_round

Alajuelense vs. LAFC Clash in Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Costa Rica’s Alajuelense will face LAFC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET. The teams drew 1-1 in their first encounter on March 10 in Los Angeles. The match will be broadcast on FS1 and streamed live on FuboTV (with a free trial available) and DIRECTV (also offering a free trial). The game takes place at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Los Angeles FC secured a 2-0 victory over St. Louis City in a crucial MLS match on Saturday, with Mathieu Choiniere scoring both goals and Hugo Lloris recording his fourth consecutive shutout. Choiniere, in his ninth MLS season, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute by slipping a rolling shot inside the left post after intercepting a pass near midfield. He added a second goal in the 81st minute, bending a shot between the legs of defender Timo Baumgartl and into the left post. Lloris, 39, made four saves for LAFC, which has outscored its opponents 8-0 this season. The goalkeeper joined Roman Bürki (St. Louis, 2025) as the only MLS players to achieve four straight shutouts to start a season. St. Louis City’s goalkeeper Bürki made three saves, while LAFC’s Denis Bouanga hit the crossbar early in the match, and Nate Ordaz’s shot from the center of the area bounced off the right post. Both teams wore black armbands with “IL” in white lettering to honor Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City’s Eduard Löwen, who passed away after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Eduard Löwen, who joined St. Louis as a designated player in 2022, has not played this season. The result highlights LAFC’s dominance in the early stages of the 2026 MLS season, with the team maintaining an undefeated record at 4-0-0.#concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #la_fc #alejandro_morera_soto_stadium #mathieu_choiniere

Alajuelense 1-0 LAFC: Gol de van der Putten en minuto a minuto de la vuelta de los octavos de final de Concachampions 2026 La Liga Deportiva Alajuelense se impuso 1-0 sobre Los Angeles FC en el partido de vuelta de los octavos de final de la Concachampions 2026, con el gol de Santiago van der Putten en el minuto 3. El resultado deja a la Liga con una ventaja de 2-1 en el global, asegurando su paso a los cuartos de final. El partido se disputó en el Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, lleno de aficionados rojinegros que apoyaron a la Liga en todo momento. El partido comenzó con un ritmo intenso, donde Alajuelense intentó controlar el balón desde el inicio. En el minuto 3, van der Putten aprovechó un rebote dentro del área tras un remate de Hugo Lloris y marcó el primer gol del partido. LAFC respondió con presión constante, pero los defensores de la Liga, liderados por Washington Ortega, se mostraron sólidos. En la primera mitad, LAFC tuvo varias ocasiones de peligro, pero el arquero Ortega y su defensa evitaron que se ampliara la ventaja. Un salvado clave de Alejandro Bran en el minuto 46 detuvo un remate de Nathan Ordaz, mientras que en el minuto 44, Fernando Piñar recibió una tarjeta amarilla por una falta a Bouanga. La segunda mitad fue más equilibrada, con ambos equipos buscando el empate. En el minuto 31, Eddie Segura fue amonestado por una infracción a Villalobos, y en el 29, Washington Ortega repelió un disparo de Dennis Bouanga desde un tiro de esquina. A pesar de la presión de LAFC, Alajuelense mantuvo su estructura defensiva y se fue al descanso con ventaja. En el segundo tiempo, LAFC intentó recuperar el control, pero la Liga respondió con un juego más directo. Alexis Gamboa sufrió una lesión en el minuto 13 y fue reemplazado por Guillermo Villalobos.#lafc #alajuelense #concachampions_2026 #estadio_alejandro_morera_soto #santiago_van_der_putten

América's coach André Jardine confirms no player rotations in Concacaf Champions Cup matches América's head coach, André Jardine, has stated that his team will field its strongest lineup in every match of the Concacaf Champions Cup, prioritizing consistency and performance in the competition. Despite securing a favorable result in the first leg against Philadelphia Union, Jardine emphasized that the club’s focus remains on advancing in the tournament, with no plans to rotate players. The Brazilian coach explained that maintaining a consistent starting XI is crucial for building momentum and ensuring the team operates at its peak. “Since I arrived, I’ve been working to strengthen the squad, but players must also demonstrate their capabilities through minutes on the field,” Jardine said. He highlighted that rotating players complicates the strategy, as repetition and continuity are key to achieving optimal team performance. Jardine reiterated that América’s approach will be to deploy its best 11 players in Concacaf Champions Cup matches, while rotations in Liga MX will be managed based on player workload. “In the Champions Cup, we have to trust our best players for each game, while in Liga MX, we sometimes need to balance the load,” he added. The coach also addressed the absence of Alejandro Zendejas from the Mexican national team’s call-up for the U.S. squad, noting that the forward remains one of the top three players in Liga MX. “Zendejas has been decisive for América throughout the season, and I consider him among the best in the league,” Jardine said. However, he declined to comment on the selection process, stating that such decisions are made by the national team’s coaching staff.#concacaf_champions_cup #amrica #andre_jardine #alejandro_zendejas #rodrigo_dourado

LAFC Enters High-Stakes Clash Against Austin FC in Quest for Fifth Straight Win LAFC continues its historic four-game winning streak as it prepares to face Austin FC at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, in a crucial Western Conference matchup. The Black & Gold, which has maintained an undefeated record of 7W-0L-1D across all competitions this season, enters the game with a perfect 4W-0L-0D in MLS play. The team’s dominance is underscored by its ability to secure four consecutive shutout victories to start the campaign, a feat unmatched in MLS history. Austin FC, meanwhile, sits in 11th place in the Western Conference after four matches, with a record of 1W-2L-1D. The Verde, as the team is known, has struggled to convert chances, scoring five goals while conceding seven. Their expected goals (xG) total of 4.1 ranks 26th in the league, and they have lost the xG battle in three of their four games this season. Despite these challenges, Austin’s home crowd at Q2 Stadium is expected to provide a significant advantage, with fans known for their vocal support and energetic presence. LAFC’s preparation for the match has been intense, as the team traveled directly to Texas following a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Alajuelense in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The victory secured their place in the CCC Quarterfinals, and the squad has spent the past three days in Austin recovering, reviewing game footage, and conducting training sessions. Coach Carlos Dos Santos emphasized the team’s resilience, noting that the players’ camaraderie and focus remain strong despite the extended travel. “They like to be around each other,” Dos Santos said, highlighting the locker room’s unity. However, LAFC faces key challenges in its lineup.#lafc #austin_fc #q2_stadium #carlos_dos_santos #paulo_futre

Austin FC Faces Tough Test Against Dominant LAFC Austin FC is set to host LAFC in a challenging matchup at Q2 Stadium on the 22nd, with the local newspaper, the Austin American-Statesman, highlighting the difficulties the team will face. The report notes that LAFC, currently riding a four-game winning streak, is in peak form, having secured 12 points in the Western Conference and sharing the top spot with Vancouver Whitecaps. The outlet emphasizes that beating a fully fit LAFC is a daunting task for Austin, which is missing key players due to injuries. The prediction is that a draw would be a positive outcome for Austin, though LAFC is expected to win 2-0. LAFC’s dominance is attributed to its balanced attack and defense, with the team scoring eight goals while keeping opponents scoreless. At the heart of their success is South Korea captain Son Heung-min, who is seeking his fifth consecutive league victory. The report describes LAFC as a “double threat” due to Son’s presence and the contributions of Denis Bouanga, making it difficult for Austin’s defense to contain them. The outlet also points out that Austin’s injury woes are significant, with players like Jayden Nelson, Owen Wolff, and Dani Pereira sidelined, leaving the team in a weakened state. Austin’s captain, Ilie Sanchez, has urged his team to embrace the challenge, stating, “There is no perfect timing in football or in life. You have to make that time yourself.” Coach Nico Estevez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the team to focus on its identity and adopt a more attacking approach. Despite the odds, he insists the team will not back down, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a league-leading side but expressing confidence in their resilience. However, the report highlights a clear gap in quality between LAFC and Austin.#son_heung_min #la_fc #austin_fc #q2_stadium #austin_american_statesman