LAFC defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 in its lone match of the 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, CA. Denis Bouanga converted a second half PK to provide the winning goal.
LAFC began the match with a starting lineup of Hugo Lloris in goal, defenders Sergi Palencia, Eddie Segura, Aaron Long and Ryan Hollingshead, midfielders Timmy Tillman, Igor Jesus and Mark Delgado, with David Martínez, Olivier Giroud and Denis Bouanga comprising the forward line.
The Black & Gold controlled play through the first half hour with its front three of Martínez, Giroud and Bouanga creating numerous chances. Bouanga in particular carved out a handful of shots.
Martínez had the two best opportunities of the opening half but Chicago goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal came up with two big stops on both breakaway chances.
LAFC waited until 10 minutes into the second half before making its first change, bringing on Jeremy Ebobisse for Giroud. Shortly thereafter, Ebobisse drew a penalty kick from Fire centerback Josue Pfrommer that Bouanga coolly converted in the 64th minute.
Other second half LAFC substitutes included Adam Saldana, Nathan Ordaz, Lorenzo Dellavalle, Nkosi Tafari, Yaw Yeboah, Kenny Nielsen, and Adrian Wibowo.
In the final minutes LAFC hit the post twice as Ebobisse and Wibowo both nearly added to the 1-0 scoreline, which is how the match ended.
