LAFC defeated Inter Miami 1-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.
In a tightly contested game between two of Major League Soccer's remaining representatives, a long range effort from 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz was the difference maker in the second half. The striker beat Oscar Ustari at his near post from outside the box to establish a one goal lead on aggregate. It could've been more if not for a heroic block on the line by Maximiliano Falcon. LAFC did well to contain Messi at times with multiple players closing in on him around the edge of the box.
Credit goes to the defense and Steve Cherundolo's tactical setup against a Herons team that's scored 11 goals so far in MLS and eight in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Despite question marks around Lionel Messi's availability, the Argentine superstar completed the full 90 on the night. Now, he and the rest of the Herons will have to bounce back in the second leg to avoid elimination.
Takeaways from the game below.
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