LAFC edge Toluca in CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final first leg

Nkosi Tafari’s dramatic stoppage‑time header earned Los Angeles FC a 2‑1 victory over Toluca in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semi‑final. The U.S. defender forced home a free‑kick delivery from Son Heung‑min, who had earlier set up Timothy Tillman’s opener, giving LAFC a slim advantage ahead of next week’s return match in Mexico.

 Toluca, reigning champions in Liga MX, kept the hosts quiet during a cautious first half, with LAFC missing suspended forward Denis Bouanga. Hugo Lloris produced a superb double save to keep the score level before the game opened up after the interval. Son created the breakthrough by cushioning a rebound for Tillman, who struck low into the corner. Toluca responded through Jesús Ricardo Angulo, curling in a precise finish from the edge of the box. But Tafari’s late winner sent the home crowd into celebration and handed LAFC a valuable cushion for the decisive second leg.