Nkosi Tafari’s dramatic free kick in stoppage time propelled Los Angeles FC to a 2-1 win against Toluca FC on Wednesday in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal series.

The two-leg, total-goal showdown will conclude on May 6 at Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico.

As the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark, Tafari delivered a free kick into a crowded penalty area that managed to sneak inside the near post, despite a diving attempt by Toluca goalkeeper Luis Garcia.

Timothy Tillman got LAFC on the scoreboard first, finding the net in the 51st minute. After receiving a layoff from Son Heung-Min near the 18-yard box, Tillman executed a chest trap followed by a right-footed half-volley into the left corner.

Jesus Angulo answered back for Toluca with a well-placed long-range shot in the 73rd minute, equalizing the match. His right-footed strike from 18 yards slipped past LAFC goalie Hugo Lloris and found the right post.

LAFC has finished as runners-up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup twice (2020, 2023) but has yet to claim the title. In contrast, Toluca clinched the championship in 1968 and 2003 and has been runner-up three times.