LAFC stun Alajuelense late to advance in Concacaf Champions Cup

Black & Gold move on to quarterfinals with dramatic 3-2 aggregate win

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

LAFC advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals in thrilling fashion, topping Costa Rican side Alajuelense 3-2 on aggregate thanks to a series-winning golazo from David Martinez at the death. The result sets up a massive quarterfinal clash, where the Black & Gold will take on the winner of the all-LIGA MX series between CF Monterrey and Cruz Azul.

Why it matters

LAFC's dramatic victory over Alajuelense keeps their hopes alive in the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup, one of the top club competitions in North America. Advancing to the quarterfinals is a major achievement for the MLS club, as they look to become the first American team to win the tournament since its rebrand in 2023.

The details

After a 1-1 result at BMO Stadium in Leg 1, Alajuelense got off to a dream start inside five minutes of Tuesday's Leg 2, taking a 2-1 aggregate lead through a header from defender Santiago van der Putten. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris saved an initial attempt, but Van Der Putten pounced on the rebound to nod home the opener. Alajuelense managed to keep that lead into the second half, but LAFC struck for their equalizer in the 51st minute via Nathan Ordaz. The 22-year-old forward ran onto a feed from Mark Delgado and lashed a first-time shot into the net.

  • LAFC and Alajuelense played the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup matchup on March 15, 2026.
  • The decisive second leg took place on March 18, 2026.

The players

LAFC

The Los Angeles-based Major League Soccer club competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Alajuelense

The Costa Rican club that faced off against LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

David Martinez

The LAFC player who scored the series-winning goal against Alajuelense in the dying moments.

Hugo Lloris

The LAFC goalkeeper who made a key save in the match against Alajuelense.

Nathan Ordaz

The 22-year-old LAFC forward who scored the equalizing goal in the second half.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

LAFC will face the winner of the all-LIGA MX series between CF Monterrey and Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The takeaway

LAFC's dramatic late victory over Alajuelense showcases the team's resilience and determination to succeed in the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup, as they look to become the first American club to win the tournament since its rebrand in 2023.