Brace Yourself: Martínez Powers LAFC Past Tigres

Tuesday night at BMO Stadium, LAFC brought the fight and the finish.

Behind a brace from David Martínez, the Black & Gold handed Tigres their first loss of the tournament, closing out Phase One of Leagues Cup 2025 with a statement 2–1 win. The result lifts LAFC to six points and keeps them in contention for a spot in the Quarterfinals.

It didn’t come easy. LAFC shuffled their lineup again and were forced into an early sub when Jeremy Ebobisse exited with an injury in the 31st minute. Timothy Tillman came on and just minutes later earned a penalty. Martínez stepped up and calmly buried it in the 38th to put LAFC in front.

Then came a different kind of roar. In the 41st minute, LAFC’s new marquee signing Son Heung-min was shown on the big screen. The crowd erupted as he waved from the stands, a glimpse of the club’s future on a night already buzzing with energy.

Tigres answered just after the break. Edgar López, subbed on at halftime, redirected a free kick into the top corner in the 47th minute to level the score.

But Martínez wasn’t done. In the 64th, he burst down the left flank, beat his defender, and squeezed a low shot inside the near post for his second of the night and his third of the tournament.

Tigres pushed hard in the final stretch, rattling the crossbar, forcing corners, and testing Thomas Hasal, but LAFC’s defense bent without breaking.

Now, LAFC turns its attention to the rest of the group stage results and a possible path to the Quarters. They return to MLS play on August 9 with a road trip to face Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT.

David Martínez buries his 2nd goal of the night, giving LAFC the lead.