Nineteen-year-old David Martínezhas delivered a performance to remember as LAFC earned a sensational 2-1 win over Tigres at BMO Stadium, keeping their Leagues Cup quarterfinal hopes alive.
The teenage Venezuelan forward scored twice, including a stunning solo strike, to lead the Black & Gold to their first-ever win against the Mexican giants.
The victory carried extra significance for LAFC, who had previously suffered painful defeats to Tigres in the 2020 Concacaf Champions Cup final and the 2023 Campeones Cup. This time, Martínez’s heroics ensured a different outcome and gave the MLS side a lifeline in Phase One of the Leagues Cup.
With three points from their first two group games, LAFC entered the match knowing that only a win would keep them in contention for the knockout stage. Head coach Steve Cherundolo rotated his squad, resting star winger Denis Bouanga, and handed the spotlight to Martínez , a decision that paid off in spectacular fashion.
Martínez opened the scoring in the first half with a composed penalty kick, giving the home fans hope against one of North America’s most decorated clubs. Tigres responded early in the second half through IvánLópez, briefly dampening the mood at BMO Stadium. But Martínez had the final word, embarking on a dazzling solo run before rifling the ball into the net to seal the 2-1 victory.
The young forward’s brace means he has now scored three goals in three Leagues Cup appearances, matching his tally from 19 MLS matches this season. His sudden burst of form has impressed Cherundolo, who praised the striker’s renewed work ethic.
“He’s working harder. It’s that simple,” Cherundolo said after the match.
“He has all the tools he needs to be successful in this league and many other leagues around the world. But David needs to understand that this is a game where you have to work first and enjoy the pleasure second, and not just play your way through. He is working harder and he is pushing himself.”
The victory also offered valuable experience to LAFC’s rotation players, with Cherundolo highlighting the positive contributions of those who stepped up in a high-stakes match.
“We got a lot out of this tournament so far,” Cherundolo said. “If it’s the end of the road for us, then so be it. A lot of really positive performances from players we haven’t seen a lot of this season. And so I think they really used that opportunity to show what they can do and to get valuable minutes moving forward.”
With Martínez emerging as a key figure and LAFC finally overcoming Tigres, the Black & Gold have momentum on their side as they await the next phase of their Leagues Cup campaign. For the young Venezuelan, his man-of-the-match display was not just a breakout moment, it was a statement that he is ready to lead LAFC on the big stage.
Pic Credit (Screebgrab: YouTube Major League Soccer)
