Los Angeles, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) kicked off its 2026 MLS regular season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Inter Miami CF, drawing the second-largest crowd in MLS history and the largest for an opening weekend game ever recorded.

With an impressive attendance of 75,673 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, LAFC forwards David Martínez (38'), Denis Bouanga (73'), and Nathan Ordaz (90+4') put their names on the score sheet for the home team. This win marked LAFC's ninth consecutive victory in regular-season openers since its inception, maintaining its league record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws.

The eagerly awaited clash featuring reigning MLS MVP Lionel Messi and LAFC’s global sensation Son Heung-Min turned into a showcase of LAFC's relentless offensive strategy, which effectively dismantled a Miami defense filled with newcomers eager to make their mark in their first competitive match of 2026, as reported by LAFC.

In the sixth minute, Bouanga delivered a line-breaking pass that allowed Son to sprint towards the goal. Son skillfully rounded the new Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair before passing to Bouanga, whose shot was deflected over the bar by St. Clair. Bouanga continued to threaten, creating opportunities, while a free kick taken by Son in the 14th minute struck the Miami wall.

LAFC finally scored 22 minutes later, when new midfielder Stephen Eustaquio sent a loose ball directly to Son at the edge of Miami’s penalty area. Son quickly set up Martínez, who finished with a precise left-footed shot, putting LAFC ahead 1-0 at halftime.

The defending MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami, opened the second half looking to equalize. Substitute Facundo Mura connected with a Messi pass and delivered a cross that newly acquired striker German Bertarame narrowly missed with a header.

LAFC struck again in the 73rd minute when midfielder Timmy Tillman played a long ball into Miami’s territory. St. Clair rushed out to intercept, but Bouanga outpaced him, claimed the ball, and finished into an empty net, increasing the lead to 2-0.

In the 87th minute, LAFC almost extended its lead further when Son skillfully maneuvered around St. Clair and found Bouanga, who unfortunately slipped and allowed St. Clair to recover the ball.

LAFC forward Nathan Ordaz substituted for Son in the 89th minute and made an immediate impact. As Bouanga advanced down the left flank, Ordaz made a decisive run through the center of the penalty area, finishing Bouanga’s pinpoint pass and sealing the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time.