LAFC secure aggregate lead over Toluca following dramatic stoppage-time victory in Concacaf Champions Cup
Head coach Marc Dos Santos criticises VAR decision and MLS scheduling as Black and Gold prepare for high-altitude second leg
Los Angeles FC have secured a 2-1 aggregate lead in their Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Toluca, following a dramatic 2-1 victory in the first leg at BMO Stadium. The match, which appeared destined for a 1-1 draw by the 90th minute, was decided in stoppage time when Son Heung-min provided an assist for Nkosi Tafari to score the winning header. This result overturns the deadlock and sets up a second leg in Toluca, Mexico.
The contest was defined by a tense first half where LAFC failed to register a shot on goal. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was instrumental in keeping the score level, making two crucial saves in the 44th minute to deny Toluca midfielder Nicolás Castro and defender Jesús Gallardo. Lloris, who has recorded 21 saves and an 84 per cent save rate through the first six matches of the tournament, ensured the deadlock held until the 51st minute.
LAFC broke the deadlock when Timothy Tillman scored the opening goal, firing a right-footed strike past Toluca goalkeeper Luis García. However, a subsequent goal by Jacob Shaffelburg in the second half was disallowed following a VAR review for offside. The decision sparked immediate criticism from head coach Marc Dos Santos, who publicly questioned the accuracy of the line drawn by officials and labelled the situation a scandal.
The absence of key players Denis Bouanga and Eddie Segura, who were unavailable due to one-game suspensions, impacted squad rotation. Despite this, the Black and Gold managed to generate an attack in the final minutes. Son Heung-min's cross in the opening minute of stoppage time found Tafari, who drilled the ball home to send the BMO Stadium crowd into a frenzy and seal the victory.
Heading into the second leg, the fixture presents significant logistical challenges as it will be played at an altitude of 8,750 feet above sea level. Tafari noted that the team has experience with elevation from a previous match against Cruz Azul, but the outcome of the tie will depend heavily on the away goals rule or total goals scored if the aggregate score remains tied after 180 minutes.
LAFC has now won seven consecutive home matches in the tournament, with the team currently sitting 5-0-2 in tournament play this year. The victory snapped Toluca's three-game winning streak against MLS opponents in the competition, a run that had previously seen the defending Liga MX champions win three consecutive matches against MLS teams. The Black and Gold will return to MLS play on Saturday to face San Diego FC.
