February 8, 2026; Indio, California, USA; LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos poses for a photo after the MLS preseason match against New York City FC at the Empire Polo Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Image Los Angeles FC will look to continue their strong start against FC Dallas on Saturday night.
Los Angeles FC (2-0-0, 6 points) has not allowed a goal in three wins away at Inter Miami and two wins at the Houston Dynamo.
“Starting the new year like this gives us confidence, but we are taking it one game at a time and that is the mentality we have in this group,” LAFC midfielder Mathieu Choiniere said. “The work is done. Now we must move forward.”
Coach Mark Dos Santos is encouraging his team to continue attacking.
“We have to keep throwing punches. This season is like playing a long boxing game,” dos Santos said. “Sometimes there are rounds where you will be ahead, and sometimes there are rounds where your opponent can land more punches on you.”
In last weekend’s win over Houston, Los Angeles struck while Dinamo came up short.
Houston was playing one-man short when Mark Delgado scored on a long shot in the 56th minute. Dinamo lost a second man in the 76th minute and Stefan Eustaquio took the lead in the 82nd minute.
The quest now is not to rest on their laurels.
“We don’t take the victory for granted,” dos Santos said. “We know that when we have the opportunity to win and get points, we have to take it.”
FC Dallas (1-0-1, 4 points) has had a tough time against LAFC and is 0-6-1 all-time when the teams meet in Los Angeles. Dallas led 13-3.
But Dallas coach Eric Quill sees this futility as something that can be overcome.
“It’s a great opportunity for us in terms of quality and allows us to measure ourselves early,” Quill said. “I know we’re going to go out there and compete with our hearts.”
FC Dallas defeated Toronto FC 3-2 in its opener on February 21 and was held to a scoreless draw with Nashville SC last weekend. Both games were home games for Dallas.
Quill said he was impressed by both efforts.
“This group is competing harder than anyone else,” he said. “… There is real consistency in our fights from minute 1 to minute 95.”
Veteran forward Anderson Julio (lower leg) has been listed as questionable by FC Dallas.
Among the players scheduled to feature for LAFC are forward Jeremy Ebobisse (leg) and defender Aaron Long (leg).
–Field level media
