LAFC Edges FC Dallas 2-1 In Thrilling MLS Season Opener
LAFC Edges FC Dallas 2-1 In Thrilling MLS Season Opener...
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) kicked off their 2026 MLS campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Dallas at BMO Stadium on Saturday night. The match, which drew a sellout crowd of 22,000, is trending nationally as fans celebrate the return of Major League Soccer after its winter break.
Denis Bouanga scored the 87th-minute winner for LAFC after Dallas had equalized in the 79th minute through Jesús Ferreira. The Black and Gold had taken an early lead when Timothy Tillman found the net in the 12th minute. The physical match saw five yellow cards issued by referee Ted Unkel.
The season opener gained extra attention as it marked Steve Cherundolo's 100th game as LAFC head coach. FC Dallas manager Nico Estévez made three changes from last season's playoff lineup, including starting new signing Asier Illarramendi in midfield.
Social media erupted after the match, with #LAFCvDallas trending on Twitter/X as fans debated the controversial non-call on a potential Dallas penalty in the 64th minute. The match drew strong TV ratings on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass, though official numbers haven't been released.
Both teams face quick turnarounds, with LAFC hosting Real Salt Lake on March 15 while Dallas travels to face the Seattle Sounders the same day. The Western Conference rivals will meet again at Toyota Stadium on June 21 in a match that could have playoff implications.
The victory gives LAFC early momentum in what many analysts predict will be a tight Western Conference race. For Dallas, the narrow loss showed promise but highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that plagued them last season. MLS officials praised the electric atmosphere as proof of the league's growing popularity ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
With 11 shots on target between both teams and end-to-end action throughout, the match delivered the kind of entertainment that has made MLS opening weekends must-watch events for American soccer fans. The league's 31st season continues Sunday with six more matches across the country.
