On an evening in which LAFC needed to dig deeper without their star scoring duo, they got the job done. The Black and Gold shut out Toronto FC, 2-0, on Sunday evening at BMO Stadium to increase their winning streak to six.
"It's not easy for players to step in and try to play the exact same way as others, and that's not what we asked," said head Coach Steve Cherundolo. "I was pleased with the defensive effort, we gave up very little once again which is not easy to do in this league. We were always dangerous."
Earning a third consecutive clean sheet for the just the second time this season, Los Angeles improved to 17-8-7, leapfrogging Minnesota for third place in the Western Conference. Jeremy Ebobisse scored early to set the tone, while Frankie Amaya's first LAFC goal came in the second half to provide the insurance.
It was the fourth score of the year for Ebobisse, who turned defense into offense with a nice takeaway as he stormed down the pitch to cash in. His left-footed strike just escaped the reach of Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson to get Los Angeles off to the start they needed.
Jeremy Ebobisse makes his mark early for LAFC! 😤 pic.twitter.com/1V2bu2fnQ6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 9, 2025
Ebobisse tallied his first goal since May 14 in a 4-0 victory over Seattle. The 28-year-old made his eighth start of the season on Wednesday evening.
Amber Rodriguez - The Sporting Tribune
LAFC midfielder Andy Moran (19) gestures after a play during a MLS soccer game against the Toronto FC, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
"It's always about next man up mentality," said Ebobisse. "The championship teams are the ones that don't have the egos...this was an opportunity to show that on the goal."
Neither side was able to add on again through the opening half as the game remained 1-0. David Martínez nearly scored the second of the day for LAFC in the 59th minute, but his penalty was denied on an impressive diving save from Johnson.
Martínez was awarded the start with the absence of Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-min, Nathan Ordaz and Mathieu Choinière, creating an opportunity. He has now gone 21 consecutive matches without a score.
However, it was Frankie Amaya who came off the bench and immediately announced himself to double the LAFC advantage. After entering in the 67th minute, he delivered his very first goal with the Black and Gold to make it 2-0.
Off the bench.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 9, 2025
On the scoresheet.
Frankie Amaya makes it 2-0 LAFC. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/mUYGVNgoOj
Amaya has made just three starts this year in 15 total appearances for the club, but delivered his biggest moment at BMO Stadium on Wednesday when it was desperately needed.
"We stepped up as a whole team, we've been fighting together, working hard together, we're a big united team," said Amaya. "Getting a goal and helping the team out and securing three points is big for us."
Hugo Lloris remained consistent in goal, making three saves as Toronto fired 11 shots overall.
The victory brings Los Angeles just one away from matching their regular-season club record. With just one point separating them from the top spot in the West (currently shared by Vancouver and San Diego), the next two games will prove crucial.
LAFC embarks on a two-game road trip to finish off the regular season, first stopping off in Texas for a showdown with Austin FC on Sunday evening. Austin is 12-8-12 thus far, currently holding the sixth spot in the conference.
In the two sides' last matchup, Austin earned a 1-0 victory back on May 15. Los Angeles will once again need a promising showing from their bench pieces if they want to earn revenge.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT.
