Thriller in the Leagues Cup: LAFC Fall to Mazatlán in 22-Penalty Epic

Alonso Contreras
Jul 30
2 min read

By Alonso Contreras

In an unforgettable Leagues Cup showdown, Los Angeles Football Club and Mazatlán FC delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in tournament history. After 90 minutes of back-and-forth play ended in a 1-1 draw, the match descended into a 24-penalty marathon, ultimately won by the Mexican side 11-10.

⚽ First Half Fireworks

The game sparked to life in the 29th minute when David Martínez opened the scoring for LAFC with a stunning left-footed strike from distance, curling into the top left corner with an xG of just 11%. It was a moment of brilliance from the 2004-born winger, assisted by Timothy Tillman.

Mazatlán responded quickly. In the 31st minute, Fábio Gomes capitalized on a chance inside the box, burying a low right-footed effort past David Ochoa to equalize, also with an xG of 11%. The match was locked at 1-1 heading into the break.

Second Half Stalemate

Despite numerous chances, neither side could find a winner in the second half. Both goalkeepers—David Ochoa for LAFC and Ricardo Rodríguez for Mazatlán—stood tall. Martínez nearly doubled his tally in the 23rd minute but saw his shot rattle off the crossbar. LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse and Eddie Segura came close late, but Rodriguez denied them both.

Mazatlán’s Anderson Duarte and Nicolás Benedetti tested Ochoa from distance, but the LAFC keeper was up to the task.

The Shootout: 22 Kicks of Madness

What followed was a penalty shootout for the ages, stretching into sudden death after 22 consecutive conversions. Every player on the pitch—goalkeepers included—took a turn from the spot.

LAFC's Timothy Tillman saw his effort saved early, putting the pressure on the home side.
Ochoa redeemed himself with a crucial stop on Samir Caetano, leveling the score at 2-2.
From there, both sides were perfect until the 12th round.
Denis Bouanga, LAFC's top scorer, stepped up with the score tied 11-10, only to send his shot sailing over the crossbar.
Nicolás Benedetti calmly slotted the winner for Mazatlán, sealing an 11-10 victory.

Every penalty carried a high xG of 77%, but it was composure, not analytics, that decided the night.

Standouts

David Martínez (LAFC): Goal, multiple shot attempts, and creativity throughout.
Nicolás Benedetti (Mazatlán): Scored twice from the spot—including the decisive penalty—and orchestrated much of Mazatlán’s midfield play.
David Ochoa (LAFC): Despite the loss, he saved a penalty and made several key stops in open play.