Los Angeles Football Club vs New York City Fc Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

LAFC Try to Keep Rolling, Earn First Win Over NYCFC

Los Angeles FC are off to a fast start this season, entering Saturday’s home matchup against New York City FC with momentum from two consecutive victories across MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

LAFC (1-0-0, 3 points) opened their MLS campaign with a 1-0 win over Minnesota United, followed by a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday to advance in the Champions Cup. The defense has been rock-solid, allowing zero goals through two competitive matches, while veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been called upon to make just two saves across both games.

Head coach Steve Cherundolo has emphasized discipline and structure in LAFC’s defensive approach, and the team has executed it to perfection so far.

“The defensive part of the game for us is black and white, there’s no gray area,” Cherundolo said. “We have clear rules, and right now the players are staying disciplined, following the rules and not conceding many chances.”

Mark Delgado scored his first goal for LAFC in the Champions Cup win, while Jeremy Ebobisse found the net in the 78th minute against Minnesota United to seal the club’s opening league victory.

However, not all the news has been positive for LAFC, as defender Sergi Palencia is under investigation by CONCACAF for an alleged derogatory remark toward Colorado’s Chidozie Awaziem in Tuesday’s match. The league is reviewing the incident, though Palencia’s status for Saturday remains unclear.

NYCFC Looking for First Win After Late Collapse

NYCFC (0-0-1, 1 point) opened their MLS season with a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami, but the result felt more like a loss after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer.

After Mitja Ilenic and Alonso Martinez gave NYCFC a 2-1 lead, the team was just minutes from securing three points before Lionel Messi set up Inter Miami’s dramatic 100th-minute equalizer.

Head coach Pascal Jansen was pleased with his team’s fight, especially on the road against a strong opponent, but acknowledged the frustration of conceding so late.

“Just a little too short. That sums it all up,” Jansen said. “But an away game against Miami is always a challenge, and I think my boys took on the challenge with a brave heart and they were very courageous. … Then again, it’s always very sad to concede a late equalizer.”

NYCFC benefited from an early advantage after Inter Miami’s Tomas Aviles received a straight red card in the 23rd minute, but they were unable to put the game away in the second half.

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History on NYCFC’s Side

Although LAFC has been one of MLS’ strongest teams in recent seasons, they have never beaten NYCFC in league play.

NYCFC holds a 1-0-2 all-time record against LAFC.

The last meeting was in 2021, when NYCFC won 2-1 in Los Angeles.

With both teams eyeing their first MLS win of the season, LAFC will look to break their winless streak against NYCFC and continue their early-season momentum. Meanwhile, NYCFC will try to bounce back from their opening disappointment and show they can close out matches against elite competition.