Los Angeles FC vs El Salvador

Delgado's 4th-minute opener set the tone before the match had settled. A goal inside the first five minutes forced El Salvador to chase the game from the outset, and they never recovered. LAFC's 2-0 halftime lead — built on dominance in the first period — effectively ended the contest before the second half began.

Denis Bouanga was the standout player, creating both the second and third goals with his left-wing deliveries. He caused constant problems for the El Salvador defence down the left flank.

Mark Delgado scored the early opener and dictated play from midfield, completing over 90% of his passes in the first half.

Yevhen Cheberko made his LAFC debut after joining from Columbus Crew last month. The Ukrainian fullback started in the role expected to replace Eddie Segura, offering more attacking support to Bouanga on the left side. LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos said the 28-year-old "has the profile and ability to help us build inside but also join in helping Denis more on that side."

Player of the Match: Denis Bouanga — directly involved in two of the three goals, with an assist and the shot that led to the third.

LAFC's 16 total shots to El Salvador's five, and eight shots on target to one, confirms a complete mismatch that the 3-0 scoreline does not exaggerate. Bouanga's involvement in two goals and his near-constant threat down the left flank accounted for the bulk of LAFC's attacking output. El Salvador's lone shot on target came from distance and never troubled the LAFC goalkeeper. The hosts' first-half possession dominance allowed them to dictate tempo and avoid any defensive anxiety.

The friendly served as LAFC's first competitive minutes since the MLS paused in late May for the 2026 World Cup. The Black & Gold were without South Korean World Cup selection Son Heung-min, Canadians Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choinière and Stephen Eustáquio (whose loan from FC Porto expired on 30 June without a buy option being triggered).

LAFC returns to MLS regular-season play on Friday, 17 July against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in the first El Trafico of 2026. They also host Club Tijuana in a closed-door friendly on 10 July at their training facility.

For El Salvador, the match was a preparation exercise under head coach Hernán "Bolillo" Gómez as they continue their build-up following World Cup qualifying.

A straightforward, professional performance from LAFC against an overmatched El Salvador side. The early goal settled any rust from the extended break, and Bouanga's form on the left will encourage Dos Santos ahead of the Galaxy clash. Cheberko's debut offered a glimpse of LAFC's new-look left flank, though tougher tests await in MLS.