Leon beats LAFC in first leg of Concacaf Champions League

Last year LAFC was the best team in the regular season of Major League Soccer and Carlos Vela was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring 34 goals in 32 regular-season appearances, as well as contributing 15 assists.

When the Concacaf announced the match-ups for the Round of 16 in December, one of the most attractive games was the one between Los Angeles Football Club and Club Leon, two of the most consistent teams over the past seasons in their respective leagues.

On Tuesday night Leon hosted LAFC in Guanajuato for the first leg and the home team defeated the MLS side, who was making their international debut, 2-0. Jean Meneses scored the first goal of the game on the 21st minute when he ran down the left side of the field, dribbled past Tirstan Blackmon, who fell down, before shooting.

The first half was very dynamic between both teams and right after the first goal of Leon, Fernando Navarro tried to header the ball back to Rodolfo Cota, but his header lacked strength so the ball ended up at Bryan Rodriguez' feet. His effort went wide.

The second half started as the first one had begun, LAFC trying to impose their style and Club Leon waiting for a mistake to counter attack. In the 53rd minute Ginella sneaked into the box, after a great few passes between Vela and Rossi, but the Uruguayan's shot went wide. This would've tied the game for the visiting team.

After many opportunities missed by the home side, Angel Mena scored the second and final goal of the game in the 88th minute.

Carlos Vela came down to receive the ball, he then tried to pass it back to Mohamed El Monir who failed to control the pass and Mena just took advantage of this mistake after Leon missed a number of opportunities.

Club Leon took the first leg of this match and now they will have to visit the Banc of California on Thursday, February 27th to defend this advantage and advance to the next round of the Concacaf Champions League.