LOS ANGELES — July 12, 2025 — After enduring a grueling schedule and a stretch of four matches without a win, Los Angeles FC finally rediscovered their attacking rhythm with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night. The result couldn’t have come at a better time for LAFC, who now turn their attention to a key Western Conference showdown at home against FC Dallas on Saturday evening at BMO Stadium. This match against FC Dallas is crucial for LAFC as they aim to build on their recent success. The upcoming clash with FC Dallas provides an opportunity to further solidify their playoff aspirations, especially as they prepare to take on one of their biggest rivals in the league.
LAFC (8-5-5, 29 points) entered the week in dire need of a spark. The club had managed just one goal during a four-game winless run (0-3-1) that spanned multiple competitions, including two losses and a draw in the FIFA Club World Cup. On Wednesday, they flipped the script with an emphatic performance that featured goals from Denis Bouanga, Kei Kamara, and Mateusz Bogusz — a performance head coach Steve Cherundolo called “a much-needed return to form.”
“The schedule has been brutal, but winning can change everything,” said Cherundolo following the match. “We’ve played 28 matches since February, across three continents and multiple competitions. But tonight was the kind of result that reminds the group what we’re capable of when we’re sharp and committed.”
Bouanga Leads the Line
Bouanga’s goal — his ninth in MLS play this season — was a crucial early breakthrough that set the tone. The Gabonese forward has been a reliable source of production amid a congested calendar that has included stops in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and upcoming Leagues Cup fixtures later this month. Kamara’s veteran presence and Bogusz’s creativity rounded out the scoring for LAFC, who were in complete control from the opening whistle.
Defensive Solidity Returns
Just as important as the goals was the defensive performance. LAFC earned their first clean sheet since early June, silencing a Colorado side that had shown flashes of attacking quality in recent weeks. Jesús Murillo and Aaron Long anchored a backline that looked reenergized, while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris commanded his box with confidence.
FC Dallas Struggles to Find Answers
FC Dallas (5-9-6, 21 points) arrive in Los Angeles reeling from a three-game losing streak in which they have conceded nine goals. A 2-1 home loss to Minnesota United on Independence Day highlighted familiar issues: defensive lapses, inconsistency in midfield, and a lack of cohesion.
Despite the skid, Dallas coach Eric Quill remains confident his squad can turn things around.
“We’re analyzing everything — personnel, shape, mentality,” said Quill after the loss to Minnesota. “But this isn’t about formation. This is about belief, about players executing what we train for.”
The numbers, however, paint a sobering picture. Dallas has now conceded 37 goals this season, third-most in the Western Conference. Only the LA Galaxy (42) and Sporting Kansas City (38) have allowed more.
Players to Watch
For LAFC, Bouanga is clearly the man in form, but Bogusz’s performance midweek suggests he could be primed for a bigger attacking role down the stretch. Veteran striker Kei Kamara also showed he still has a knack for clutch finishes.
FC Dallas will lean on Petar Musa (7 goals) and Luciano Acosta (5 goals), though both have been kept relatively quiet during the club’s recent slide. The pressure will be on the Dallas midfield to contain LAFC’s creativity and prevent an early avalanche.
What’s at Stake
Saturday’s match has major implications for the Western Conference standings. LAFC can climb closer to the top four with another win, while Dallas risks falling further behind in the playoff race if their defensive woes continue.
Cherundolo put it plainly: “We’ve got the momentum now. It’s about carrying it forward, especially in front of our fans.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT at BMO Stadium.
