In downtown Los Angeles at BMO Stadium, Mexican-American goalkeeper David Ochoa had repeated opportunities to rescue two points for LAFC from Mazatlán FC but was unable to. He was only able to block one of twelve penalty kicks shot against him at the end of regulation. His Mexican counterpart Ricardo Rodriguez Mazzocco watched LAFC’s Denis Bouanga overshoot his second penalty shot, resulting in LAFC’s defeat. The penalty shootout followed LAFC’s inability to defend their 1-0 advantage earned after a goal by the young David Martinez. Consequently, LAFC’s advancement into the next round of Leagues Cup 2025 becomes less likely.

Leagues Cup 2025 is a CONCACAF sanctioned tournament played between all 18 of Mexico’s Liga MX teams and 18 qualifying teams of America’s MLS leagues. The tournament provides American audiences opportunities to watch their teams play Mexican ones, reminding us of the two countries’ cultural connections. 11,409 attended LAFC vs Mazatlán FC. Mariachi Las Catrinas singers Alina Estrada and Nicole Lillingston performed beautiful renditions of Mexican and American national anthems.

LAFC will continue their tournament play against Mexico’s Pachuca on Friday, August 1st, 2025 and Tigres on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at BMO Stadium. We hope to see you there!