LAFC surprised many with the 3-0 lead they earned over Cruz Azul in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 series at BMO Stadium on Tuesday April 7th, 2026. The young Venezuelan David Martinez showed out with two impressive goals, weaving past Cruz Azul defenders for the first one and outmuscling another defender for the second one. At the postgame press conference, LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos described him as a “crack” and praised him for his technical skills, strength, ability to quickly change directions, and his focus on the game without having possession of the ball.

LAFC’s victory is representative of Major League Soccer teams’ improvement when compared to teams of its southern rival Liga Mx. In the past, these tournament games weren’t as reliable an assessment of the teams and the quality of their corresponding leagues because team executives varied on the importance they placed on them. For example, teams would rest elite players for the tournament while playing them in the league games. This game was a reliable assessment because both teams played their star players, Concacaf and both teams invested in promoting it, and 19,776 fans reportedly attended. Fans always demonstrate their opinion by attending.

LAFC goalkeeper Hugo LLoris with Cruz Azul fans behind him

In the context of an improved MLS league, Mexican Americans living in Southern California have shifted their loyalty from the Liga Mx teams their parents supported to the local LAFC and LA Galaxy. I have seen this pattern with childhood friends who wore Liga Mx teams jerseys playing soccer and watched those teams on Univision or Telemundo. Those friends now root for LAFC at BMO Stadium or LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. These MLS teams are earning the support of Mexican Americans with the quality of their play. In contrast, many Mexicans living in Southern California remain loyal to their teams and have not assimilated in the sport as indicated by the seeming 70% of fans that attended dressed in blue and likely supporting Cruz Azul.