After two defeats in a row in MLS action, LAFC were back on the pitch looking to get themselves back on track. While the loss to Portland may be able to be excused with rotated squads, there was no such reasoning for San Jose walking into Los Angeles and putting four past the black & gold in their latest defeat. Tonight, the team come into a match against a Colorado Rapids side that has yet to get a result in Los Angeles, and hasn’t scored here in several years. This is the perfect opportunity to get back into form, and back into the win column before this short slide because an avalanche with Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals looming on the horizon.
The Starting XI for #LAFCvCOL#LAFC | @BMO_US pic.twitter.com/IesCUtlWw6
— LAFC (@LAFC) April 23, 2026
Big news on the injury front for LAFC in this match as defender Aaron Long made his anticipated return to the pitch and the starting lineup after recovering from an achilles injury he suffered in July of last year. In addition, LAFC saw the return of midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, who began the match on the bench as he returned from an injury sustained earlier this season.
The first 10 minutes of the match went about as expected. Colorado, typically a team that likes to press and apply pressure, were doing just that. LAFC, knowing how important that first goal would be, came out with aggression and were applying a press of their own, though not as high up the pitch. The Rapids had the best look early on, with a ball into the box that nearly found attackers to poke it past Lloris, but in the end, nothing came of it. Colorado did well early on to keep possession, and keep the ball away from LAFC and playmakers like Heung-Min Son and Denis Bouanga.
LAFC were able to find some rhythm but through 20 minutes it was Colorado that was putting shots on goal and on a few occasions Hugo Lloris was called upon to make some incredible saves to keep it scoreless. On the other end, Rapids’ defenders were doing a decent job at playing lanes on counters, keeping through balls from finding their targets in stride, and keeping LAFC from finding a clear look at goal for some prime opportunities. At least early on in the first half, it felt like it would take a magic moment for either side to find the opening goal.
Hugo Lloris comes up big for @LAFC!
📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/zhX5VZqyH3 pic.twitter.com/XJgnRuJOqk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 23, 2026
The first half came to an end without either side finding the back of the net. While it would be too much to say Colorado dominated the first half, they most definitely kept the ball the most, going into the break with 80% of the possession. They also had the clearest looks at goal, and if not for massive efforts from LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris, might’ve gotten the lead. For LAFC, they came close, but they were just milliseconds off of their timing on a few really good balls into the box from Shaffelburg. It felt like one of those matches where just one goal might be enough for the three points, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half opened much like the start of the game, the only difference being it was LAFC who were on the gas from kickoff, putting pressure on Colorado’s goal early. They nearly secured the goal in the 55th minute when Mathieu Choiniére put on a wonderful shot from outside the box that curled top corner, but was met by the post and just missed crossing the line before bouncing away from goal.
70 minutes into the match and it was still scoreless, but the second half saw Los Angeles get a lot more threatening in the final third. They were creating space, finding shots, and their passes were starting to come together. They just needed to find that last touch to get the ball across the line in the next 20 minutes plus stoppage time.
The final whistle arrived before either side was able to get the goal, and in the end, points were shared. Objectively, this was the fair result, if not a bit disappointing for LAFC. Silver lining, they didn’t lose, and if it wasn’t for the post, they likely would have done enough to win behind a fantastic effort from Hugo Lloris. It doesn’t slow down for the black & gold either, as they need to refocus and get set for their trip East for a matchup with Minnesota United this Saturday.
Thoughts on the draw at home? Drop us a comment below!