The first of two on the road for LAFC as they come into St. Louis, looking to bounce back and shake-off the recent struggles they have had. Two teams looking to get back to improved results, Los Angeles, hoping to keep their perfect record over St. Louis City who, coming into this matchup, had yet to beat LAFC. The thing about midweek madness in MLS, things never really go to plan, but if Los Angeles wants to be considered a contender, they will find ways to get it done.
The Starting XI for #STLvLAFC#LAFC | @BMO_US pic.twitter.com/nhwrwhjfxk
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 13, 2026
The first goal in these matches is always so important, which is why it was a bit deflating to see the home side not only score first, but do so in under five minutes. Good passing in the build up was finished off in just the fourth minute of action after Eduard Löwen slotted a pass across the box where it found Tomas Totland who put it past Lloris for the very early lead.
Eduard Löwen ➡️ Tomas Totland!@stlCITYsc take the early lead!
📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/i3QgNAc3gy pic.twitter.com/9YQJMwy4qU
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 14, 2026
To the surprise of nobody, after the goal St. Louis City settled in, got a lot more defensive, and began to take whatever LAFC had for them the remainder of the half. Unfortunately, Los Angeles seemed to have nothing for the majority of the half. It wasn’t until the 40th minute that we finally saw the black & gold begin to pressure the opposition. Son had one of the better chances, but his attempt was thwarted by the keeper. While they couldn’t find the equalizer, they found rhythm, and if St. Louis wants to sit back another 45, then a goal or two for Los Angeles could still be in the cards.
Much like the first half, St. Louis came out looking for an early goal. It wasn’t under five minutes from kickoff, but in the 64th minute, the home side took advantage of some chaos in the box. A good cross into the box was met not just by a St. Louis attacker, but by Hugo Lloris, who missed the ball and crashed into the player sending him to the floor. The ball ended up at the feet of defender Rafael Santos, who wasted no time in slamming it over the line for the second goal of the night.
.@stlCITYsc are two goals to the good!
Rafael Santos doubles their advantage! pic.twitter.com/CVrplnfW8j
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 14, 2026
Never ones to give up, LAFC began to really fight back after conceding the second and in the 73rd minute showed how deadly they can be. Defender Nkosi Tafari sent a pinpoint long ball from the back all the way to the front where it found David Martinez who, on his first touch, chipped the keeper to cut the deficit in half.
Lifted it over 💫
Tafari puts it on a platter for Martínez to bring us within one. https://t.co/D9y7seGFNw pic.twitter.com/qDcKbVY5iG
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 14, 2026
The goal would be the only one Los Angeles scored in the match, unable to find the second for the equalizer. Another night of missed opportunities, but more worrisome, another match where the opposition came out strong and got an early goal to set themselves up for a great result. That’s now three straight losses across all competitions, and their second straight loss in MLS action. The brief roadtrip wraps up Sunday, as the team take on Nashville SC, as they continue to try and find something to help them get through this rough patch, and back to brighter pastures.
Thoughts on the loss? Drop a comment for us below!