MLS’ 2025 season kicks off with a bang as LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse scores stunning golazo from outside the box

It took longer than expected, but Jeremy Ebobisse started the 30th season of Major League Soccer with the first goal and what a goal was. Ebobisse scored in the 78th minute with his last touch of the game, and could help to turn a frustrating game for black and gold into a party in Los Angeles. That goal was enough for a 1-0 win, because Lafc has now won eight consecutive season openers.

Lafc broke in a new midfield and struggled in the first half of the game, but tactical tweaks from head coach Steve Cherundolo, such as turning Timothy Tillman’s silk in midfield, allowed Lafc space to break down Minnesota United. With all eyes on Denis Bouanga, Ebobisse was able to get into space and he would not be stopped with an excellent finish after Dayne St. Clair.

Although Ebobisse is not the weekly starter, if he can continue to put the ball in the back of the net, he gets the chance to win the role of Oliver Giroud after he has come to the team of the San Jose Government in the summer. Last season Giroud did not score any goal in 14 ml performances and only registered one assist. He has been a quality striker for his career, but Lafc needs more to lead the line, especially with Mateusz Bogusz now in Cruz Azul. This is Bouanga’s attack, but he cannot do it alone, so a secondary option will have to perform. That can be Ebobisse based on how things look out of the gate, because the American could not start better with his new club.