LAFC Extends Unbeaten Run with Convincing Win Over SKC
Match Recap: LAFC 3–1 Sporting Kansas City
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2025
Venue: BMO Stadium – Los Angeles
Competition: MLS Regular Season
Attendance: Over 22,000 fans
Jovelic knocks the first one in goal
First Half – Joveljic Shocks LAFC
Sporting Kansas City surprised LAFC by striking first, thanks to a clever finish from their Serbian striker.
39th Minute – Goal (Sporting KC):
Dejan Joveljic opened the scoring against his former LA rivals. After a quick exchange with midfielder Manu García, Joveljic broke through the backline and calmly slotted a low shot past Hugo Lloris to give Sporting KC a 1–0 lead—on what would be their only shot of the match.
LAFC responded with intensity but struggled to break down SKC’s compact defensive structure for most of the half.
First-Half Stoppage Time – Segura Levels It
Just before the break, LAFC turned the pressure into a critical equalizer.
45+3 Minute – Goal (LAFC):
From a Denis Bouanga corner, Eddie Segura rose highest at the near post to head home the equalizer—his first goal since returning from injury in 2020. The momentum quickly shifted to the home side.
Bouanga Scores from the spot in the 59th min
Second Half – LAFC Takes Over
The second half was all LAFC, with their high tempo and attacking depth overwhelming a tired Kansas City side.
59th Minute – Goal (LAFC, Penalty):
Bouanga was fouled after a mazy dribble into the box. He stepped up and buried the penalty himself, giving LAFC a deserved 2–1 lead.Sporting KC had no response, failing to record another shot or build any meaningful possession.
90th Minute – Giroud Finishes the Job
90+2 Minute – Goal (LAFC):
A quick counterattack saw Bouanga feed substitute Olivier Giroud, who took a touch and slotted it past the keeper with a composed finish, sealing the 3–1 comeback victory for LAFC.
Player Highlights
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): 1 goal, 2 assists, 9 shots, and relentless pressure—undoubtedly the Man of the Match.
Eddie Segura: Returned to scoring form and anchored LAFC’s backline after the early goal.
Dejan Joveljic (SKC): Scored against LAFC with a clinical first-half finish.
Olivier Giroud: Super-sub impact, scoring his second MLS goal in limited minutes.
Match Stats
Shots: LAFC 21 – 1 Sporting KC
Possession: LAFC 66% – 34%
Corners: LAFC 7 – 2
Fouls: LAFC 11 – 9
xG: LAFC 3.4 – 0.3 SKC
Tactical Overview
LAFC: Controlled the midfield through Mark Delgado and Timothy Tillman. Used fullbacks aggressively and pinned SKC deep for most of the match.
Sporting KC: Compact in the first half but lacked offensive spark. The early goal gave them hope, but they offered nothing after halftime.
Silent Protest from the 3252
The first half was played with near-total silence from LAFC’s famed 3252 supporters, who staged a protest against recent ICE raids in LA:
Banners included: “Abolir al ICE,” “Chinga la migra,” and “Los inmigrantes son el corazón de Los Ángeles.”
Players like Jeremy Ebobisse and Eddie Segura dedicated the win to local immigrant communities.
LAFC’s campaign “Hombro con Hombro” (Shoulder to Shoulder) was highlighted postgame in a moment of unity between players and fans.
What This Means
LAFC: Extend their unbeaten run in MLS to 9 straight matches. They now sit 5th in the Western Conference and head into the FIFA Club World Cup in strong form.
Sporting KC: Remain winless in their last 4, struggling for consistency and creativity in the final third.
Final Thoughts
LAFC showed championship grit and tactical flexibility in overcoming an early setback. Led by Bouanga’s brilliance, Segura’s timely header, and Giroud’s veteran finishing, LAFC once again protected home turf and made a powerful off-field statement in solidarity with their community.