LAFC Wins Thrilling Inaugural Opener at Banc of California Stadium

It was a historical evening for the Los Angeles Football Club in their brand spanking new Banc of California Stadium. Defender Laurent Ciman's goal on a free kick in the 93rd and final minute of extended time gave LAFC a storybook 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, April 29 before a sold-out crowd of 22,000.

It was the fifth win in seven starts for Major League Soccer's newest franchise and gave them the best seven-game start for an expansion team in league history. LAFC earned three points for the victory, keeping them in second place in the Western Conference with 15 points, just two shy of virtual leader, Sporting Kansas City.

The inaugural opening of the Banc of California Stadium was already a grand success but Sunday's victory was icing on the cake and then some. From actor and co-owner Will Ferrell's pregame introduction serving as an honorary falconer to an entire game of relentless support from the heart and soul of LAFC: The 3252, the stadium rocked Downtown Los Angeles.

Having played their first six games ever on the road LAFC will host four consecutive games at their visually stunning entertainment facility over the next two weeks. FC Dallas will visit this Saturday, May 5 at 1:00 p.m. before Minnesota United FC comes to town on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. The homestand wraps up with New York City FC on tap for Sunday, May 13.

Read the complete story of the thrilling inaugural victory for LAFC in the Culver City Observer in the coming issue.