LAFC Edges Inter Miami in First-Leg Home Victory
Nathan Ordaz delivered the moment LAFC fans were waiting for, smashing home a low strike from 24 yards out in the 56th minute to give Los Angeles FC a 1-0 win over Inter Miami on Wednesday night.
The victory gives LAFC a crucial edge heading into the second leg of the two-game, total-goal series, which concludes April 9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Match-Winner
The goal came after Mark Delgado fed Ordaz in midfield. The young forward drove past Miami’s retreating line and delivered a low shot past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, tucking it just inside the right post.
LAFC nearly doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, but Miami defender Maximiliano Falcon made a crucial clearance on the goal line to deny Timothy Tillman.
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Messi Denied, Lloris Saves the Day
Hugo Lloris was LAFC’s rock at the back, finishing with three key saves, including two stops on Lionel Messi that preserved the clean sheet.
Ustari had two saves of his own for Inter Miami, who now face an uphill climb in the return leg.
The winner of the series will face either Pumas UNAM or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals.
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Pumas Rally Late to Tie Whitecaps 1-1
At BC Place in Vancouver, the Whitecaps looked destined for a home win—until Adalberto Carrasquilla silenced the crowd with an 87th-minute equalizer to earn Pumas UNAM a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Carrasquilla struck a brilliant right-footed volley from just outside the six-yard box after a Leo Suarez corner deflected perfectly into his path. He didn’t hesitate.
The tie means everything is on the line for the April 9 second leg in Mexico City.
Brian White Finds the Net for Vancouver
The Whitecaps got on the board in the 71st minute with a gritty goal off a corner kick. Amid a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Brian White poked the ball past Alex Padilla, who failed to clear the danger on a punch.
Padilla made two saves for Pumas, while Yohei Takaoka recorded one for Vancouver.
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CONCACAF Champions Cup Bracket Outlook
As the tournament heats up, the winners of these series will be halfway to international glory—and a coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Will LAFC hold off Messi and Co.? Can Pumas capitalize at home, or will Vancouver break Mexican hearts?
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