Denis Bouanga and homegrown Nathan Ordaz netted the goals for the Black & Gold, who looked impressive a week before making their 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup debut at the Colorado Rapids on Feb. 18.
However, the hosts were at times overwhelmed by the three-time defending LIGA MX champions while still managing to keep the game scoreless into halftime.
Bouanga immediately capitalized
on a Sebastián Cáceres giveaway once play resumed, handing LAFC Defeat a lead that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris preserved with a point-blank save on Miguel Ramírez.
Ordaz made the most of his appearance off the bench, finishing off a slick sequence involving Bouanga and Olivier Giroud. That proved to be the game-winner, after Richard Sánchez pulled one back for América in the 63rd minute.
Following their CCC opener, LAFC Defeatkick off their MLS slate on Feb. 22 at home against Minnesota United (4:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, FOX, FOX Deportes).
LAFC Defeat Club América in Preseason Finale
In a thrilling preseason finale that had the feel of a high-stakes competitive match, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) delivered a statement performance, defeating Mexican giants Club América 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The clash, played in front of a vibrant crowd of over 50,000 fans, showcased the best of North American soccer and provided a tantalizing preview of what’s to come for LAFC as they gear up for the 2025 MLS season.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that this was no ordinary friendly. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with LAFC’s star-studded roster, including the likes of Denis Bouanga, Carlos Vela, and new signing Giorgio Chiellini, going toe-to-toe with Club América’s seasoned squad, featuring Mexican internationals such as Henry Martín and Jonathan dos Santos. The intensity on the pitch mirrored the passion in the stands, as fans of both clubs created an electric atmosphere.
LAFC struck first in the 23rd minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward, who has been in scintillating form during the preseason, latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Carlos Vela, calmly slotting it past América goalkeeper Luis Malagón. The goal was a testament to LAFC’s attacking prowess and the chemistry that has been building within the squad.
Club América, however, responded with characteristic resilience. Just before halftime, Henry Martín leveled the score with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to beat LAFC Defeat goalkeeper John McCarthy. The goal injected new life into the match, setting the stage for a fiercely contested second half.
The decisive moment came in the 68th minute
, when LAFC Defeat midfield maestro, Ilie Sánchez, unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box that left Malagón with no chance. The goal was a fitting reward for Sánchez, who had been a commanding presence in the center of the park throughout the match.LAFC Defeat defense, marshaled by the experienced Giorgio Chiellini and the ever-reliable Jesús Murillo, held firm in the face of América’s late push, securing a hard-fought victory.
Goals
- 46′ – LAFC – Denis Bouanga
- 60′ – LAFC – Nathan Ordaz
- 63′ – AME – Richard Sánchez
Lineups
- LAFC: Hugo Lloris – Sergi Palencia, Eddie Segura (Nkosi Tafari, 87′), Aaron Long, Ryan Hollingshead – Igor Jesus, Timothy Tillman, Mark Delgado (Adam Saldana, 76′), David Martínez (Nathan Ordaz, 46′) – Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud (Jeremy Ebobisse, 76′)
- AME: Rodolo Cota – Dagoberto Espinoza (Walter Portales, 77′), Israel Reyes (Néstor Araujo, 46′), Ramón Juárez (Sebastián Cáceres, 46′), Cristian Borja (Cristian Calderón, 46′) – Richard Sánchez (Aarón Arredondo, 68′), Erick Sánchez (Alan Cervantes, 46′), Álvaro Fidalgo (Diego Valdés, 46′), Alejandro Zendejas (Javairô Dilrosun, 46′) – Brian Rodríguez (Rodrigo Aguirre, 46′), Víctor Dávila (Miguel Ramírez, 46′)
For LAFC, the win was more than just a preseason triumph; it was a declaration of intent. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Cherundolo, the Black and Gold have been meticulously preparing for the upcoming season, and their performance against one of Mexico’s most storied clubs demonstrated their readiness to compete on all fronts. With a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent, LAFC looks poised to build on their historic 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield double.
