LAFC vs Cruz Azul: unbeaten MLS side faces Concacaf champions in high-stakes clash at BMO Stadium

LAFC remain undefeated in all competitions, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has yet to concede in MLS play. That record will be put to the test when they face reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Cruz Azul.

The matchup against La Máquina represents another exam for Son and Denis Bouanga. The South Korean forward failed to score in the previous round against Alajuelense, where the California side were slowed down and at times outplayed.

Bouanga, meanwhile, comes in red hot after scoring a hat trick in Saturday’s 6-0 rout of Orlando City. But the challenge will be tougher against a Cruz Azul side that could split the crowd Tuesday at BMO Stadium.

“Both teams are trying to get the most out of their squads, but I think the first leg is key to knowing whether we go to Mexico with a chance to advance. As everyone knows, Los Angeles is like a mini-Mexico, so I expect a big Cruz Azul presence. That’s normal, they’re a big club. We believe they’re the favorites,” said LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos.

A sweet memory for Larcamón

Despite Cruz Azul’s painful memories against LAFC from that single-leg Concacaf clash in Orlando, Argentine coach Nicolás Larcamón has enjoyed success in Los Angeles.

Larcamón led León to the Concacaf Champions Cup title, with the Esmeraldas winning 3-1 on aggregate and lifting the trophy on LAFC’s home turf.

LAFC are now on a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last loss came on October 12, 2025, when they fell 1-0 away to Austin. Since then, they have recorded 10 wins and four draws, including a tie that ended in a penalty shootout loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference semifinals.

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