Scotland man's trophy quest takes step forward with help of World Cup winner as potential dilemma looms

Playing the full 90+7 minutes of the game at Estadio Cuauhtemoc, Porteous’ side went into the clash 3-0 up from the first leg but were severely tested by their hosts, who flew out of the traps and took an early lead via a Gabriel Fernandez penalty (18). The Uruguayan striker made no mistake from the spot after being felled by Sergi Palencia in the area to give his side a 1-0 lead on the night.

Porteous received a yellow card shortly after the opener for a confrontation with the goal-scorer, as Cruz Azul continued to push for more goals. However, they found World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in indomitable form, with the veteran French stopper making a series of outstanding saves, with Cruz Azul aiming a total of 30 attempts on the Los Angeles goal.

After being forced to withstand heavy pressure, the Black and Gold finally sealed their spot in the last four of the competition in the dying embers of the clash via a stoppage-time penalty of their own. Cruz Azul’s Willer Ditta was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area, allowing Denis Bouanga to convert and give Los Angeles FC a 4-1 aggregate win with the final kick of the match.

“I don’t talk like that about favorites or anything,” said LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos. “I know that today we eliminated a great club, a great champion, and a team that gave us a lot of trouble. Qualifying was tough. The teams that reach the semi-finals are all going to be strong and we are aware of that. But we have a lot to learn from this second match because there could be another game in Mexico in the semi-final or final.. There’s a lot to learn from this game.”

The former Hibs defender and his teammates will now enter the semi-final stage of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the third time in the club’s history, which is scheduled to take place between 28 and 30 April (first leg) and 5 and 7 May (second leg). However, Porteous has been handed a potential dilemma should they navigate the final four and qualify for the final.

The showcase final collides with Scotland’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Curacao at Hampden Park on Saturday, 30 May 2026, meaning that should Porteous receive a recall to Steve Clarke’s squad, he will have a major decision to make over his participation. Despite not featuring for the national team since March 2025, many have called for his inclusion in the squad following strong performances in the MLS.

Currently third in the MLS Western Conference after winning five of their first seven games in the league, Porteous is on course to lift silverware for the first time in his career across two different competitions, with the club hopeful of landing their first MLS Cup since 2022.

Sign up to The Scotsman’s daily football newsletter to get unrivalled Scottish football news and analysis - subscribe for free here.