Lasse Johnsen's debut goal helps Kansas City earn 1st win at Galaxy

Sporting KC defeats LA Galaxy 2-1 in MLS match

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:35am

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Lasse Johnsen scored in his MLS debut and Dejan Joveljic added a goal against his former team as Sporting Kansas City earned a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday. John Pulskamp made four saves for Sporting KC, who earned their first win of the season. Marco Reus scored late for the Galaxy, who played without the suspended Gabriel Pec.

Why it matters

This was an important win for Sporting Kansas City, who were looking for their first victory of the 2026 MLS season after being shut out twice in their first three matches. The Galaxy were also trying to bounce back after losing their previous match, making this an important early-season clash between two Western Conference teams.

The details

Joveljic, who scored 34 goals for the Galaxy from 2021-24, put Sporting KC ahead just before halftime. Johnsen, a recent acquisition from Sweden's Malmo FF, scored in the 74th minute to double the lead. Reus pulled one back late for the Galaxy, but they were unable to find an equalizer.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Joveljic scored just before halftime.
  • Johnsen scored in the 74th minute.
  • Reus scored for the Galaxy in the 82nd minute.

The players

Lasse Johnsen

A recent acquisition by Sporting Kansas City from Malmo FF in Sweden, Johnsen scored in his MLS debut.

Dejan Joveljic

A former LA Galaxy player who scored against his old team to give Sporting KC the lead.

John Pulskamp

The goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City, who made four saves in the victory.

Marco Reus

The LA Galaxy player who scored his team's lone goal in the 82nd minute.

Gabriel Pec

The LA Galaxy midfielder who was suspended for this match after receiving a red card in the previous game.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This victory was an important early-season boost for Sporting Kansas City, who were able to earn their first win of the 2026 MLS campaign behind strong performances from newcomers Lasse Johnsen and Dejan Joveljic. The loss was a setback for the LA Galaxy, who were missing a key player and will look to rebound in their next match.