Less than three minutes into his first Major League Soccer game, Hugo Lloris was forced to make a crucial save. It was due to a mistake by a teammate, which left him unguarded in front of his new goal.
World Cup champion and French goalie Hugo Lloris had an impactful debut in his new job. With composure, he successfully made seven saves in his first match. Los Angeles FC triumphed 2-1 against the Seattle Sounders last Saturday thanks to his efforts.
Lloris transitions to LAFC: debut impressions
After playing 11.5 seasons with Tottenham and being their starting goalkeeper for a decade, Lloris shifted to the US last December. The 37-year-old Frenchman, who holds records for playing 20 matches over four World Cup tournaments, is also a World Cup winner from 2018.
As his family cheered from the stands, Lloris demonstrated the talent, stability, and leadership that LAFC anticipated when signing him - the most decorated goalkeeper in their history.
Hugo Lloris expressed joy after his first game, insisting on the special feeling surrounding an initial appearance. Regardless of his vast experience and high level, the impact of a debut game is undeniable.
Despite being generally pleased with his performance, he acknowledged a need for personal improvement in certain aspects of his game. With a commitment to employing his extensive experience and unquestionable confidence, Lloris aims to contribute significantly to the team.
LAFC's strong start
LAFC started their quest for a third consecutive MLS Cup Final, bolstered by scores from Timothy Tillman and Mateusz Bogusz. After bagging the league's postseason title in 2022 and landing another spot in the Final last season, LAFC is keeping up their record of winning season openers — a trend they've upheld every season since they were founded seven years ago.
Lloris consistently displayed his skills, even under pressure. The experienced goalie added to LAFC's attack strength with accurate long passes to his forwards. While he's still learning his teammates' patterns and getting used to life in the suburbs of Encino, Lloris is already making a big difference in LAFC's strategies for this season.
LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo was praised for Lloris' performance in his debut game. Cherundolo admired how impeccably Lloris pulled off his first game, making vital saves for the team. He described Lloris as a steady rock that provides a sense of security whenever he is in play.
Cherundolo further acknowledged Lloris' wealth of experience in high-level competitions. He emphasized how the goalkeeper's decision-making on the ball is set to improve the team significantly.
LAFC begins the season without key players
LAFC started a new season with their first game sans Carlos Vela - their premier player and 2018's MLS MVP. While Vela is currently unsigned and waiting at home, LAFC plans to work through MLS's complex salary regulations in hopes of his return.
LAFC has returned to play without their longstanding left-back, Palacios, and central defender, Giorgio Chiellini. The celebrated Italian player, hailed at a retirement ceremony before the game, now serves as a player development coach for LAFC.
MLS debuts: drama and goals
Pedro De La Vega scored a penalty in the 72nd minute of his first MLS game for Seattle. This penalty was granted after an extraordinarily lengthy video review. Despite this, Seattle sadly lost to the same rival that ended their 2023 season in the Western Conference final.
Andrew Thomas played his first MLS game as Seattle's goalkeeper.
Tillman scored the first goal for LAFC in the 45th minute. The goal came off a cross from Omar Campos, the young Mexican player whom LAFC signed in January from Santos Laguna, potentially as Diego Palacios' successor.
In the 55th minute, Bogusz added another goal to LAFC's tally, masterfully curving the ball into the top far corner. Despite only scoring three times in his 28 outings for LAFC last year, the young 22-year-old Polish striker showed what he's capable of.
Seattle got their penalty sometime after Aaron Long and Morris bumped into each other near the LAFC goal, which resulted in a delayed yellow card for Long. De La Vega, a costly new addition from his home country, Argentina's Lanús, successfully made the penalty. Seattle had officially signed him as a designated player this January.