SEVEN STRAIGHT SEASON-OPENING WINS FOR LAFC

LAFC

LOS ANGELES – Hugo Lloris made seven saves to secure an LAFC win over the Seattle Sounders Saturday afternoon before 20,000 strong at BMO Stadium. Introduced to the 3252 for the first time, it’s safe to say Lloris has been welcomed to the league and then some. 

A first half marked by bullet passes and end-to-end chances was capped off by a brilliant Timothy Tillman one-tap shot in the 45’ off an Omar Campos cross.

Lloris had his first save less than three minutes into the match on a one-v-one, setting the tone for the rest of the match as Seattle was quiet on target for most of the afternoon. 

LAFC added another goal in the 55’ with a Mateusz Bogusz far shot from the edge of the box that curved right under the crossbar. Seattle’s Pedro De La Vega took a penalty and scored in the 73’ after VAR confirmed a foul not called on the field. 

This marks the second matchday with MLS replacement refs, as the Professional Soccer Referees Association is on strike after MLS failed to meet union wage demands. MLS Season Pass commentators made repeated comments about uneven officiating over the broadcast. 

The Black & Gold starts 2024 on the right foot today, and the question of where the goals will come from this season seems answered: stars stepping up.

Roster depth is still up in the air as the starting XI played most of the match, but the young core still has time to set foot on the pitch in the coming matchdays. Two open slots remain on the LAFC roster, and Carlos Vela remains unsigned, but the control we see from the team today promises that the team hasn’t lost its touch this season.

Even as LAFC stumbled in its flow after the Sounders’ penalty, the win marks a solid beginning to a 2024 MLS Cup run. It also sets the MLS record streak for wins in the season opener at seven. The Black & Gold has still never lost an opener. Let the season begin.

LAFC visits Real Salt Lake next weekend.