LAFC, with goals from Segura in the 45th minute, Bouanga in the 59th, and Giroud in the 90’+3, defeated Sporting Kansas 3-1 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California — a venue that showed many empty seats, reflecting low attendance likely due to the unrest in the city triggered by protests following the arrest of undocumented immigrants last Friday.
Sporting Kansas’ only goal came in the 39th minute, scored by Dejan Joveljić thanks to an assist from Manu García. That goal gave them a temporary lead, but after scoring, the team stepped back and allowed LAFC, led by Bouanga, to take control and overturn the scoreline.
One of LAFC’s official broadcasters, Armando Aguayo, noted during the match that attendance at BMO was visibly lower than usual. He estimated the crowd at just around 19,000, possibly fewer, whereas the stadium typically hosts no fewer than 22,000 fans for MLS matches.
Despite the escalation of violence in Los Angeles, the match went on as scheduled. However, several media outlets had expressed concern it might be canceled, given that the stadium is located right in the heart of the city.
On social media, images have gone viral showing banners in the BMO stands protesting the immigration raids — a strong message from fans at LAFC’s home.
Shoulder to Shoulder ✊ pic.twitter.com/lpAiXvr4Mt
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 8, 2025
“At an institutional level, the club expressed its concern on social media over the climate of uncertainty currently affecting the city of Los Angeles.”
Shoulder to Shoulder ✊ pic.twitter.com/lpAiXvr4Mt
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 8, 2025
Line Ups
The Starting XI for #LAFCvSKC#LAFC | @BMO_US pic.twitter.com/xmV0UApVVE
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 9, 2025
Tonight's formation for #LAFCvSKC 👇#SportingKC | @BlueKC pic.twitter.com/G8oy3vCQbk
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) June 9, 2025
