In a closely contested contest, David Martínez's lone score was enough to lift LAFC to a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday evening at BMO Stadium. The Black & Gold improved to 3-0-0 on the season, claiming their first match at BMO in the 2026 campaign.
"It was a hard challenge," said head coach Marc Dos Santos. "This was a different type of opponent that gave us a different type of difficulties. We were able to find a solution to win the game."
Martínez provided a rocket that had just enough on it to deflect off the hand of Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi and into the top left corner of the net. It was the second MLS goal and third overall this year for the 20-year-old, who came through in a big way to give Los Angeles some much-needed life.
What a strike from David Martínez 🚀 pic.twitter.com/oCgf6IbwpB
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2026
LAFC is now 5-0-0 across all competitions in 2026, conceding just one goal in the process. Hugo Lloris made a number of big saves on Saturday, totaling five overall to keep his squad in front until the end.
"He's a Rolls-Royce," said defender Ryan Porteous, speaking on Lloris. "He's someone that, for the first three games, hadn't had a lot to do. But tonight, he was called upon, and that's what top goalkeepers do."
The match got off to a shaky start for Los Angeles in the first half, with Son Heung-min earning a yellow card just ten minutes into the contest. It was his first with the club, issued by the referee after he went down in the Dallas box.
Both Son and Bouanga had promising chances to score, but could not convert as Collodi kept pace with Lloris. The star-studded scoring duo has now gone three consecutive games without a goal, but Dos Santos is not concerned.
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min (7) makes an attempt at goal during an MLS game between LAFC and FC Dallas on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles Calif
"I think it's going to unlock," said Dos Santos. "Imagine the team when the two are going to unlock. To win, you need to be a team, and to be a team you can't rely on one or two guys. You have to rely on everyone."
After Martínez put LAFC up early in the second half, they continued to come up short in their attempts to add on. Bouanga recieved a nice through ball from Martínez in the 70th minute, but could not put it away past Collodi as he fought to keep Dallas within striking distance.
With seven extra minutes of stoppage time granted, Lloris made one last stand in the 96th minute as he turned away Petar Musa's shot attempt. Los Angeles hung on to improve its all-time record against Dallas to 8-4-3, and 7-0-1 at home.
A quick turnaround awaits as LAFC spring back into action on Tuesday evening against Alajuelense in leg one of two in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. A 7-1 aggregate victory over Real España in the opening round moved the squad forward.
"The game on Tuesday is very important because the second leg is away," said Dos Santos. "We have to recover well and make sure that we put the freshest team possible on the field for Tuesday."
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. PT.