LAFC Defeats Dallas 1-0 in MLS Matchup

David Martínez's second-half goal lifts LAFC to victory over FC Dallas

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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LAFC defeated FC Dallas 1-0 in an MLS match on Saturday night. David Martínez scored the game's lone goal in the 55th minute, with assists from Stephen Eustáquio and Sergi Palencia. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris recorded his third straight clean sheet to start the season for LAFC, who are off to the best start in franchise history at 3-0-0.

Why it matters

This victory keeps LAFC undefeated and atop the MLS standings early in the season. The club is looking to build on its success from last year and make a deep playoff run. For FC Dallas, the loss drops them to 1-1-1 on the young season as they try to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Martínez's goal came after a nice passing sequence involving Eustáquio and Palencia. Lloris made five saves to preserve the clean sheet for LAFC, who have now outscored their opponents 6-0 through three games. Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi made five saves in the losing effort.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Martínez's game-winning goal came in the 55th minute.

The players

David Martínez

A 20-year-old forward for LAFC who scored the game's only goal.

Hugo Lloris

The veteran goalkeeper for LAFC who recorded his third straight clean sheet to start the season.

Stephen Eustáquio

The LAFC midfielder who provided an assist on Martínez's goal, giving him a goal and two assists in his first three MLS matches.

Sergi Palencia

The LAFC defender who recorded an assist on Martínez's goal, his first of the season and ninth in his 86-game MLS career.

Michael Collodi

The FC Dallas goalkeeper who made five saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We're off to a great start, but we know there's still a long way to go. We'll enjoy this win and then get back to work preparing for our next match.”

— David Martínez, LAFC Forward (ESPN)

What’s next

LAFC will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host the Seattle Sounders on March 14. FC Dallas will try to bounce back at home against the Portland Timbers on March 21.

The takeaway

LAFC's strong start to the season has them atop the MLS standings, as they continue to build on their success from last year. Meanwhile, FC Dallas is still trying to find its footing after a disappointing 2025 campaign.