The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) tied 2-2 with Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday July 30th, 2024 at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles, California. The game was decided on penalties with Vancouver scoring 4 to LAFC’s 2. LAFC advances to the Leagues Cup round of 32 with this result.

Andres Cuba, former Boca Juniors player, gave the Whitecaps an early lead with a right-footed rope he shot from outside the box that went beyond the reach of diving LAFC goalkeeper Abraham Isai Romero Gonzalez. Abraham Romero is a dual citizen of United States and Mexico. The 26-year-old born in Pasadena, California has represented Mexico in 14 international appearances, including seven in 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile and five in 2017 FIFA U-20 World in South Korea.

Ranko Veselinovic of Vancouver headed a corner in the back of the LAFC net at the 17th minute to give his team a 2-0 lead. That header was a result of a well placed corner kick from Sebastian Berhalter.

LAFC found their groove late in the game appearing to play more intensely. Kei Kamara scored LAFC’s first goal at the 85th minute assisted with a great pass from Mateusz Bogusz. Mateusz Bogusz would tie the game for LAFC with a header assisted by the young David Martinez. Suspense could be felt in the stadium as Mexican referee Cesar Palazuelos and his team reviewed and ultimately confirmed the game-tying goal.

With a 2-2 tie at the final whistle, LAFC and Vancouver Whitecaps would decided the game in a penalty kick shootout. We were rooting for the young Abraham Romero to become the man of the match if he could defend his net successfully. However, Vancouver was able to score all 4 penalty kicks against the LAFC goalkeeper while LAFC"‘s Kei Kamara and Mateusz Bogusz missed their opportunties.

lafc.com