This is unknown territory for LAFC. After playing to their first draw of the season, snapping the winning streak they had going to start the season, they now face the most important road match of the season. While the score going into tonight is 1-1 on aggregate, LD Alajuelense hold the all important away goal advantage after getting one in the back of the net in Los Angeles. Now, LAFC have their backs against the wall as they travel to Costa Rica, looking to make up for the disappointing result and advance into the next round of the competition with a big performance away from home.
Matchday: #LDAvLAFC
⏰ 6:00 PM PST
🖥️ FS1 & TUDN
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles & K-Radio 1230 pic.twitter.com/NOC4CEAuoF— LAFC (@LAFC) March 17, 2026
When these two met in Los Angeles, LD Alajuelense had a pretty simple, albeit difficult, game plan. Defend for their lives and focus on taking full advantage of set pieces and counter attacks. Which is ironic considering their goal came from a build-up out the back that saw them cut right through the LAFC defense en route to their only goal of the night. Now, they can repeat the same tactics at home, without even worrying about set pieces or counters. because a scoreless draw will see them advance via away goals. That said, it’s doubtful the Costa Ricans go full on bus parking as Los Angeles still have several attackers that can hit you at any moment, making withstanding 90 minutes of attempt after attempt after attempt an almost impossible task.
In seasons past we talked a lot about LAFC’s inability to get going away from home. This season they have been able, so far, to show that they can get the job done anywhere but it doesn’t change the fact this is arguably the biggest test of the young season so far. What’s most concerning is the last few games have seen Heung-Min Son struggle to find the back of the net with his hot streak seemingly at an end for now, and Denis Bouanga hasn’t been able to fully carry the rest of the attack in a way you’d expect from a player of his stature. That said, others have stepped up big in their slump, and now the team will need all hands on deck if they are going to find a few goals on the road and put Alajuelense away to advance into the next round of the Champions Cup.
How To Watch
LAFC are in Costa Rica for the biggest test of the 2026 campaign so far as they look to overcome the away goal disadvantage and get past Alajuelense and into the next round. Kickoff is set for 6pm PST from Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. The match will be broadcast live and can be watched on FS1 as well as TUDN. The match will also be available on radio broadcast on 710 AM Los Angeles, 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish broadcasting, and KYPA 1230 AM for Korean broadcasting.
Thoughts on LAFC’s chances going into the second leg? Leave a comment below!