LAFC Vs Guadalajara, Leagues Cup 2026: Goalkeeper Hasal Shines As Los Angeles Outlast Chivas In Penalty Drama
Los Angeles FC defeated CD Guadalajara 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time during their opening Leagues Cup 2026 match at BMO Stadium. Denis Bouanga broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 38th minute off a precise cross from David Martinez, but the lead was short-lived, as Chivas de Guadalajara equalised four minutes later. Roberto Alvarado capitalised on an assist from Bryan Gonzalez to drill a clinical strike past the keeper. A scoreless second half sent the game directly into penalties. Goalkeeper Thomas Hasal became the hero for the Black and Gold by saving a crucial sudden-death penalty from Chivas captain Luis Romo, allowing Jude Terry to convert the final spot-kick for the extra point. On matchday 2, LAFC will host Toluca FC; meanwhile, Guadalajara will travel to PayPal Park in San Jose to face FC Dallas.
Los Angeles FC midfielder Jude Terry makes the winning penalty kick during a penalty shoot out against Chivas Guadalajara during a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Thomas Hasal reacts after saving a penalty kick during a penalty shoot out against Chivas Guadalajara during a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Chivas Guadalajara stands during a penalty shootout against Los Angeles FC during a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga reacts after making a penalty kick during a penalty shoot out against Chivas Guadalajara during a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Chivas Guadalajara fans light flares during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match between Los Angeles FC and Chivas Guadalajara in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
A security guard removes a flare from the field during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match between Los Angeles FC and Chivas Guadalajara in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min, left, shoots against Chivas Guadalajara midfielders Daniel Aguirre, center, and Fernando Gonzalez during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Thomas Hasal, right, makes a save against Chivas forward Armando González during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Chivas Guadalajara goalkeeper Raul Rangel makes a save during the second half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against Los Angeles FC in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against the Chivas Guadalajara in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Fans hold up banners during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match between Los Angeles FC and the Chivas Guadalajara in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
Chivas Guadalajara forward Roberto Alvarado, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match against Los Angeles FC in Los Angeles. | Photo: AP/Ryan Sun
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