CONCACAF Champions Cup: LAFC grab big edge on Cruz Azul

Field Level MediaField Level Media|published: Wed 8th April, 24:37 2026
Soccer: Concacaf Champions Cup-Quarterfinal-Club America at Nashville SCApr 7, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville SC midfielder Cristian Espinoza (7) moves the ball past Club America midfielder Raphael Veiga (23) during the first half of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

David Martinez scored twice and Son Heung-Min added a goal and an assist as host Los Angeles FC routed Cruz Azul on Tuesday during the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.

The two-game, total-goal series will conclude on April 14 in Puebla, Mexico. The victorious team will face off with Toluca or the Los Angeles Galaxy in the semifinals.

Mathieu Choiniere set up Son with a cross from the right side on a breakaway, and Son finished from 10 yards out to open the scoring in the 30th minute.

LAFC again attacked down the right flank in the 39th minute, with Martinez beating his defender 1-on-1 and rolling the ball under goalkeeper Kevin Mier from short range.

Martinez capped the scoring in the 58th minute, dribbling the ball from his own half of the field into the Cruz Azul penalty area, where his 12-yard, left-footed shot beat Mier inside the far post.


Nashville SC 0, Club America 0

Brian Schwake made four saves, helping Nashville SC play to a scoreless draw against visiting Club America.

The two-game, total-goal series finishes on April 14 in Mexico City.

Club America goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota was credited with three saves.

Nashville wound up with a 13-8 edge in overall shot attempts, and the hosts held possession for 56.1% of the contest.

The winner of the series will oppose either Tigres UANL or the Seattle Sounders in the semifinals.


--Field Level Media

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