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In a thrilling preseason friendly on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) defeated Liga MX giants Club América 2-1 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The match, which served as the final tune-up for LAFC before their 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup debut, showcased the Black & Gold's attacking prowess and defensive resilience against the three-time defending Mexican champions.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half saw both teams battling for control, with neither side able to break the deadlock. LAFC's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, held firm against América's pressure, keeping the game scoreless at halftime. However, the second half exploded into action just 22 seconds after the restart when Denis Bouanga capitalized on a misplayed back-pass by América's Sebastián Cáceres. Bouanga slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, giving LAFC a 1-0 lead and igniting the crowd.
Lloris continued to shine, making two crucial point-blank saves in the 57th minute, while defender Sergi Palencia cleared a rebound off the line to preserve the lead. The Black & Gold's persistence paid off again in the 62nd minute when substitute Nathan Ordaz, a homegrown talent, finished a slick passing sequence involving Bouanga and Olivier Giroud. Ordaz goal proved to be the game-winner, extending LAFC's lead to 2-0.
Club América pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Richard Sánchez, but LAFC's defense held strong in the closing stages, securing the 2-1 victory despite a late push from the visitors. The match ended with some tension, as posts on X noted minor scuffles between players, but the focus remained on LAFC's impressive performance.
Key Performances and Implications
Denis Bouanga's goal and assist underscored his importance to LAFC's attack, while Nathan Ordaz's impact off the bench highlighted the club's depth. Hugo Lloris, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, demonstrated why he remains a vital asset, with his shot-stopping ability keeping América at bay during critical moments.
For Club América, the loss marked a rare stumble for the Liga MX powerhouse, who have dominated Mexican football with three consecutive league titles. Despite the defeat, their attacking threat was evident, and former LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez, now with América, showed flashes of his skill against his old club.
Looking Ahead
The victory provides LAFC with momentum as they prepare for their Concacaf Champions Cup opener against the Colorado Rapids on February 18, 2025. The Black & Gold will then kick off their MLS regular season on February 22 against Minnesota United at BMO Stadium. For fans, the win over Club América is a promising sign of LAFC's potential in the upcoming season, as they aim to build on their 2024 U.S. Open Cup triumph and continue their attacking, creative style of play.
Club América, meanwhile, will return to Liga MX action, looking to maintain their domestic dominance. The match also served as a celebration of the shared soccer culture between Los Angeles and Mexico, with a portion of ticket proceeds donated to support fire relief efforts in the LA community.
As LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo and his squad look to the future, this victory over one of the most decorated clubs in North America is a statement of intent. The Black & Gold are ready to compete on all fronts in 2025, and their passionate supporters at BMO Stadium will be eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting season.
LAFC's thrilling 2-1 victory over Club América showcased their attacking depth and defensive resilience ahead of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Denis Bouanga's goal and assist played a crucial role, while Hugo Lloris made key saves to secure the win. Nathan Ordaz’s game-winning goal highlighted the team's homegrown talent. Just as LAFC relies on skilled players for success, students can benefit from expert academic help. If you're struggling with coursework, you can Pay someone to take my statistics class and ensure top performance in your studies.