Late Goal Lifts LAFC Past Alajuelense in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Los Angeles FC advances to quarterfinals with 3-2 aggregate victory

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:35am

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In the second leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 series, David Martinez blasted a long-range goal in second-half stoppage time to lift Los Angeles FC to a 2-1 win over Alajuelense in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The victory gave LAFC a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-game, total-goal series, sending them to the quarterfinals against either Monterrey or Cruz Azul.

Why it matters

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the premier club football competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and a victory for LAFC keeps them in contention for the prestigious title. The late heroics also showcase the team's resilience and ability to come from behind on the road.

The details

Alajuelense took a 2-1 aggregate lead in the 4th minute when Santiago van der Putten headed in a goal off a corner kick scramble. LAFC equalized in the 51st minute with a left-footed strike from Nathan Ordaz, assisted by Mark Delgado. In the final moments, Delgado set up Martinez for the game-winning 25-yard blast in the 92nd minute to send LAFC through.

  • The match was played on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • LAFC scored the winning goal in the 2nd minute of second-half stoppage time.

The players

David Martinez

The LAFC midfielder scored the game-winning goal in the final moments of the match.

Mark Delgado

The LAFC midfielder provided the assists on both of his team's goals.

Nathan Ordaz

The LAFC forward scored the equalizing goal in the 51st minute.

Santiago van der Putten

The Alajuelense player scored the opening goal to give his team the aggregate lead.

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What they’re saying

“That was a massive win for us on the road. The guys showed so much heart to come back and get the result we needed.”

— Bob Bradley, LAFC Head Coach

What’s next

LAFC will face either Monterrey or Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The takeaway

LAFC's dramatic late victory showcases their ability to overcome adversity and grind out results in high-stakes continental competition, keeping them on track for a potential CONCACAF Champions Cup title.