LAFC relied on Denis Bouanga’s star power to stay alive in the Leagues Cup. The Gabonese forward scored just nine minutes into the match against Pachuca, reaching 13 goals and pulling clear as the all-time top scorer in the tournament’s history, with Lionel Messi in second place at 10. The game ended 1-1 in regulation and went to penalties, where goalkeeper Thomas Hasal shined with two saves to secure a 4-2 win and two crucial points for the California side.
A historic goal right from the start
The night couldn’t have started better for LAFC. Mark Delgado intercepted the ball in midfield, played it to Nathan Ordaz, and got it back moments later. Ordaz found Bouanga on the left flank, and the forward cut inside before firing a right-footed shot to the near post, leaving goalkeeper Carlos Moreno with no chance. It was his first goal in this year’s tournament and his 13th in Leagues Cup history, extending his lead over Messi.
In the 29th minute, everything shifted. After a VAR review, Nathan Ordaz was sent off for making contact with Sergio Barreto. Pachuca wasted no time making the most of the extra man. Just three minutes later, Elías Montiel collected the ball at the edge of the box and hit a low left-footed shot to level the score.
Second half full of tension and chances
The game stayed balanced, with both teams pushing for a winner. Montiel nearly scored again, but Hasal came up big with a strong save from long range. In the 83rd minute, Pachuca also went down to ten men when Jhonder Cádiz was sent off for a foul on Nkosi Tafari, confirmed by VAR. Minutes later, Delgado found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Hasal seals it in the shootout
With the score still level, it all came down to penalties. Bouanga, Delgado, Sergi Palencia, and Eddie Segura all converted for LAFC. Hasal saved two spot-kicks and delivered the team’s first-ever penalty shootout victory in Leagues Cup history.
The result moves LAFC to three points in Phase One, keeping their hopes of advancing alive. The team now has a 12-3-4 home record in 2025 across MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Club World Cup. Their fate will be decided next week in the final match of the opening stage.