LAFC continued their flawless start to the 2025 MLS season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New York City FC at BMO Stadium on Saturday night. The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when defender Ryan Hollingshead pounced on a loose ball in the box, driving home a right-footed strike to secure all three points for the Black & Gold. With this win, LAFC improved to 2-0-0 in league play and extended their run of consecutive 1-0 victories across all competitions to three.

For much of the night, it appeared LAFC might settle for a frustrating draw, as New York’s defensive resilience and Matt Freese’s shot-stopping held them at bay. But the breakthrough came late. Denis Bouanga’s cross into a crowded penalty area led to a failed clearance, and Hollingshead reacted instinctively, blasting the ball past Freese to send the home crowd into celebration.

Hollingshead’s goal was more than just a match-winner—it was a milestone. His 30th career regular-season goal pulled him level with Graham Zusi as the most prolific MLS defender in front of goal since 2010. Reflecting on the achievement, Hollingshead acknowledged the chase to surpass Zusi. “To be in this league as long as I’ve been in this league and be able to get in front of goal as many times as I have is really exciting,” he said. “I know I’ve been chasing Graham for a while and it’s been the talk for the last two years, so I gotta put it in the rear-view at some point. We’re getting closer.”

Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2022, Hollingshead has made a habit of delivering in crucial moments. His tally of 12 goals for LAFC adds to his career total, which now ranks fourth all-time among MLS defenders, with only Brek Shea (35), Atiba Harris (31), and Zusi (31) ahead of him. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before he climbs further up that list.

While Hollingshead delivered the winner, LAFC’s defensive unit once again stood tall. Hugo Lloris was composed between the posts, making three key saves to register his second shutout in MLS play and third clean sheet in just eight days. The veteran goalkeeper, a calming presence at the back, has yet to concede a goal in league play, reinforcing LAFC’s early-season defensive solidity.

The win also carried historical significance. Until Saturday night, LAFC had never defeated New York City FC, with the clubs playing to two draws and NYCFC winning their only previous encounter. This meeting—the first between the two sides since 2021—finally saw LAFC rewrite that narrative, ensuring their perfect start to the season remained intact.

New York, on the other hand, has endured a frustrating start to 2025. Their first two matches have ended in heartbreak, with late goals proving costly. After conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami last week, they once again found themselves undone by a late strike, leaving them winless through two games (0-1-1).

Beyond the scoreline, LAFC’s defensive performance continues to be a defining storyline. They remain one of just three teams in MLS yet to concede a goal this season, alongside San Diego FC and St. Louis City FC. The backline, marshaled by Lloris and led by the ever-reliable Aaron Long and Jesús Murillo, has laid a solid foundation for Steve Cherundolo’s squad in their early-season push.

Consistency has been the theme for LAFC across all competitions. Their two league victories mirror their 1-0 triumph in the Concacaf Champions Cup leg 2 contest against the Colorado Rapids earlier in the week. While their attacking output without Mateusz Bogusz hasn’t exploded yet, their defensive discipline and ability to find late goals have set them apart in these opening fixtures.

With confidence soaring but quick turnaround, LAFC will now shift focus to their upcoming matchup March 4 hosting their perennial rival, Columbus Crew, in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, looking to build on their early momentum. The Crew are looking to avenge their 2024 defeat to Liga MX’s Pachuca in the final.

For Hollingshead, the milestone goal was a personal triumph. For LAFC, it was another small step in proving their ambitions this season stretch well beyond the regular season.