Friday, September 11, 2026
HomeLeagues Cup 2026Bittersweet Victory Over Querétaro FC Keeps LAFC's Slim Leagues Cup Hopes Alive

Bittersweet Victory Over Querétaro FC Keeps LAFC’s Slim Leagues Cup Hopes Alive

Los Angeles, CA – LAFC’s Leagues Cup hopes are still alive — barely.

The Black & Gold played Querétaro FC to a 1–1 draw Wednesday night at BMO Stadium before earning the extra point with a 5–3 victory in the penalty shootout, keeping a slim chance of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
 
Querétaro FC put LAFC under pressure early, taking the lead in the 12th minute through Ali Ávila. The early goal forced LAFC to chase the match as the visitors carried their advantage into the opening stages.
 
The intensity quickly rose following Querétaro FC’s opening goal. The match became increasingly physical as tempers flared between the two sides, with players exchanging words and confronting one another as emotions spilled over. The tension added another layer to an already high-stakes night and set the tone for a hard-fought battle the rest of the way.
Querétaro FC celebrates an early goal by Ali Ávila (9) to take the lead on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez
Querétaro FC celebrates an early goal by Ali Ávila (9) to take the lead on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez
The tension rises after Querétaro FC scores as LAFC's Hugo Lloris (1) makes contact with Enzo Giménez (16) on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez
The tension rises after Querétaro FC scores as LAFC's Hugo Lloris (1) makes contact with Enzo Giménez (16) on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez

LAFC continued searching for an answer but was unable to find one before the break, sending Querétaro FC into halftime with a 1–0 advantage.

With its Leagues Cup future hanging in the balance, LAFC needed a response in the second half.
 
Denis Bouanga provided it.
 
In the 57th minute, Bouanga found the equalizer off an assist from Ryan Raposo, bringing the Black & Gold level at 1–1 and giving the home crowd at BMO Stadium something to believe in.
 
LAFC continued searching for the goal that would give it the full three points, but it never came. The final whistle left the teams tied at 1–1, sending the match to a penalty shootout to determine which side would earn the additional point.
 
LAFC delivered from the spot.
 
The Black & Gold prevailed 5–3 in penalties, grabbing the extra point and keeping their Leagues Cup campaign alive for the moment.
 
But LAFC’s fate is no longer entirely in its own hands.
Another missed opportunity as LAFC's Denis Bouanga's (99) shot attempt is stopped by Querétaro FC's goalie Guillermo Allison (25) on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez
Another missed opportunity as LAFC's Denis Bouanga's (99) shot attempt is stopped by Querétaro FC's goalie Guillermo Allison (25) on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA - photo by Adrian Perez
With its Phase One matches complete, the Black & Gold now have to wait on other results to determine whether the points earned Wednesday night will be enough to extend their tournament.
 
It was not the decisive victory LAFC needed to control its own path. But on a night when elimination was staring them in the face, the Black & Gold found a way to stay alive.

 

 

Article and photos by Adrian Perez      @tnl_fotos

Articles you may be interested in

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments