match recap
lafc on a wining streak
By Richard Morales Mar 1, 2025
LAFC HUDDLE. PHOTOGRAPHY: @LAFC
LAFC Edges NYCFC in Tight 1-0 Battle at BMO Stadium
Match Overview
In a closely contested match on March 1, 2025, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New York City Football Club (NYCFC) at BMO Stadium. The late goal from defender Ryan Hollingshead proved to be the difference, as both teams battled for supremacy in this early-season MLS showdown.
LAFC BENCH VIEW. PHOTOGRAPHY: @LAFC
Early Setback for NYCFC
The match began with an early blow for NYCFC, as defender Tayvon Gray was forced off the field in the 8th minute due to injury. Mitja Ilenič replaced him, with head coach Pascal Jansen adjusting his defensive strategy. Despite the setback, NYCFC started brightly, with Alonso Martínez testing LAFC's defense with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
LAFC DENNIS BOUANGA. PHOTOGRAPHY: @LAFC
First Half: Missed Opportunities
Both sides showed attacking intent, but neither could break the deadlock in the opening half. LAFC's Denis Bouanga remained a constant threat on the counterattack, while NYCFC's organized defense kept the home side at bay. Goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau and Luis Barraza were called into action, making crucial saves to keep the score level at halftime.
RYAN HOLLINGSHEAD CELEBRATION. PHOTOGRAPHY: @LAFC
Second Half: Hollingshead's Heroics
The second half saw an uptick in intensity, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough. NYCFC's Santiago Rodríguez orchestrated several promising attacks, but the visitors lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. LAFC eventually found the decisive moment in the 86th minute when Ryan Hollingshead capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, firing home to give the hosts the lead.
The late goal sent the BMO Stadium crowd into a frenzy and proved enough to secure LAFC's second consecutive victory of the season.
Defensive Strengths and Key Takeaways
LAFC's Defensive Resilience: The Black & Gold have yet to concede a goal in their first two matches, demonstrating their defensive solidity.
NYCFC's Response Needed: After a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami in their opener, NYCFC will need to regroup ahead of their home opener against Orlando City SC on March 8.
Hollingshead's Impact: The defender's late heroics underscored the importance of set pieces in tightly contested matches.
Conclusion
With both teams harboring playoff ambitions, this early-season encounter provided a glimpse of the battles to come in the 2025 MLS campaign.