Son Heung-min and the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) are gearing up to bounce back in the Concacaf Champions Cup. After a significant victory in the first leg, LAFC aims to secure their spot in the semifinals when they face Cruz Azul in Puebla, Mexico. The match is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
LAFC’s Strong Position
LAFC enters the second leg with confidence following a 3-0 win over Cruz Azul in the first match held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on April 7. This victory marked a historic moment, making LAFC the first U.S.-based team to defeat a defending Concacaf champion in the tournament’s 64-year history.
- LAFC’s first leg score: 3-0 against Cruz Azul
- Match date: April 7, 2026
- Next match: April 11, 2026
- Time: 9 p.m. local (10 a.m. Wednesday, South Korea time)
Son Heung-min’s Performance
Son Heung-min played a crucial role in the first leg, scoring his first goal from open play this season. His performance was notable, especially after criticism surrounding his previous lack of goals for both LAFC and the South Korean national team.
In the recent MLS match against the Portland Timbers, Son and key veterans were rested, resulting in LAFC’s first loss of 2026 after a streak of five wins and one draw. This loss highlights the importance of keeping top players fresh for the upcoming crucial encounter.
Paths to Semifinals
LAFC can advance to the semifinals even with a draw in the second leg. They could also progress with losses such as 1-0 or 2-1 due to the away goals rule. In the inaugural round of the tournament, two MLS clubs faced challenges, failing to maintain their leads in subsequent legs against Mexican opponents.
Concacaf Champions Cup Overview
This year, the Concacaf Champions Cup features 27 teams from various countries, including the U.S. and Mexico. With four teams from each nation competing in the quarterfinals, passion and rivalry are at their peak.
As LAFC prepares for this decisive matchup, the focus will be on progression and the pursuit of a trophy since Son Heung-min joined the club in August 2025. Each player’s performance will be pivotal in achieving this goal.
