LAFC Claim First-Ever Road Win at Minnesota
@LAFC
Date: July 16, 2025
Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul
Result: Minnesota United 0-1 LAFC
LAFC made history last night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Minnesota United, earning their first-ever win at Allianz Field while keeping a third consecutive clean sheet in MLS play.
@LAFC
the Game-Winning Moment
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Jeremy Ebobisse was brought down in the box by Minnesota defender Nicolás Romero, earning LAFC a penalty. Denis Bouanga stepped up and smashed the penalty into the top-left corner, leaving Dayne St. Clair with no chance.
This goal marked Bouanga’s 11th MLS goal of the season and his 20th career game-winner for LAFC, surpassing Carlos Vela’s club record. Bouanga’s composure and efficiency continue to define LAFC’s attacking edge this season.
@MNUFC
Defensive Resilience from LAFC
Despite Minnesota controlling 55% possession and attempting 10 corners, LAFC’s structured defensive block kept them at bay. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made three crucial saves, organizing his backline calmly throughout the match.
Even without captain Aaron Long, LAFC effectively used a compact back-five system, cutting off passing lanes and limiting Minnesota’s space in transition. It was the third straight match LAFC held their opponent scoreless, demonstrating a growing defensive identity heading into the summer stretch.
@MNUFC
Minnesota’s Missed Opportunities
The Loons created a handful of half-chances, with Bongi Hlongwane and Teemu Pukki testing Lloris, but they lacked the final precision needed to convert pressure into goals. St. Clair kept Minnesota in the game with five big saves, including denying Bouanga a second goal late in the match.
Postgame, Minnesota coach Eric Ramsay expressed frustration:
“We dominated spells of the game but lacked the quality in the final third. We need to be more ruthless.”
@LAFC
Player Highlights
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Scored the game-winning penalty and was a constant threat on the break.
Hugo Lloris (LAFC): Claimed his 9th clean sheet of the season, maintaining calm under pressure.
Jeremy Ebobisse (LAFC): Earned the penalty and linked well with Bouanga throughout.
Dayne St. Clair (MIN): Made five saves, including a diving stop on Ordaz’s late shot, to keep Minnesota within reach.
What This Win Means for LAFC
The win propels LAFC into second place in the Western Conference with momentum building ahead of this weekend’s El Tráfico clash against LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium.
For LAFC, it’s another signal of maturity—winning a tough road match in a stadium where they had never won before while showcasing improved defensive structure. Bouanga’s form and Lloris’ reliability continue to anchor Steve Cherundolo’s side as they chase top seeding.
@LAFC
What’s Next
LAFC: Host LA Galaxy in El Tráfico at BMO Stadium, looking to solidify their place at the top of the West.
Minnesota: Travel to Portland to face the Timbers, seeking to bounce back and regain attacking sharpness.
Final Take
LAFC’s 1-0 win in Minnesota was not flashy, but it was professional, disciplined, and effective. Bouanga’s cold-blooded finishing and a collective defensive effort underlined the team’s playoff ambitions, while Minnesota’s inability to convert opportunities cost them vital points in a tight Western Conference race.