LAFC defeated Toronto FC 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in a preseason friendly at the 2023 Coachella Valley Invitational at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif.
The match got off to a hot start when Denis Bouanga scored the opening goal after Toronto’s goalkeeper Sean Johnson deflected an attempt on goal from Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku. Three minutes later, Victor Vasquez scored from outside the 18 yard box, giving Toronto the equalizer. The match would go into the break at 1-1.
In the second half LAFC kept pressing the attack as newcomer Timothy Tillman would see his first minutes in Black & Gold after replacing Kellyn Acosta in the 70th minute. Bouanga would find the net again, giving LAFC the game-winning goal for the 2-1 lead in the 75th minute.
The Black & Gold continue preseason training ahead of the 2023 MLS Regular Season as they prepare to take on San Diego Loyal on Saturday Feb. 18 at BMO Stadium in the club’s final preseason friendly before the start of the 2023 MLS Regular season.