The LAFC vs Inter Miami CONCACAF Champions Cup clash opened with intensity, and it was Nathan Ordaz who delivered the decisive moment. The 20-year-old fired a brilliant 24-yard shot early in the second half, lifting LAFC to a 1-0 win on Wednesday night.

In the 56th minute, Mark Delgado picked up the ball in midfield and sent it forward. Ordaz controlled it cleanly, surged past the defense, and unleashed a low shot. The ball zipped past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and tucked inside the right post.

The goal gave LAFC momentum, and they almost doubled the lead in the 63rd minute. Timothy Tillman’s effort was goal-bound, but Miami’s Maximiliano Falcon made a crucial block on the line.

Inter Miami responded with pressure. Lionel Messi led the charge but couldn’t find the net. LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made three saves, including two strong stops to deny Messi. Ustari also finished with two saves for Miami.

The LAFC vs Inter Miami CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal now heads to Fort Lauderdale on April 9. The winner on aggregate will face either Pumas UNAM or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals.

That matchup is also level. On Wednesday, Adalberto Carrasquilla scored an 87th-minute volley for Pumas to secure a 1-1 draw in Vancouver. Brian White had given the Whitecaps the lead in the 71st minute after a goalmouth scramble. A failed clearance from Pumas’ keeper Alex Padilla led to the opener.

Pumas will host the second leg in Mexico City, with all to play for.

Back in Los Angeles, Ordaz’s strike might prove to be the difference. LAFC now travels to Florida with a slim but vital lead. Inter Miami will need a strong response — and more than just Messi’s magic — to stay in the tournament.