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It was a grounding 24 hours in more ways than one. While four astronauts aboard the Artemis II lunar mission splashed down off California's coast, LAFC's impressive start to the 2026 MLS season also came crashing back to reality.
Without South Korean star Son Heung-min in the starting eleven, the Black and Gold suffered a 2–1 road defeat to the Portland Timbers, with Kevin Kelsy delivering the decisive blow in the 96th minute — marking LAFC's first loss and the first two MLS goals they've conceded this season.
LAFC boss Marc Dos Santos opted to rotate his squad for the fixture, with one eye on a midweek Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal second leg against Cruz Azul — a tie LAFC already lead 3–0 from the home first leg. Consequently, Son, World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, and several key regulars were rested, ultimately contributing to the club's first dropped points of the campaign.
NO WAYYYYY
KELSY IN THE LAST MINUTE TO WIN IT FOR PORTLAND pic.twitter.com/caWk3kEp0B
Canadian goalkeeper Thomas Hasal started between the posts but was forced off in the 30th minute after a collision with an opposing attacker. LAFC's third-choice keeper Cabral Carter stepped in, and the team's flawless defensive record through the season's opening six matches quickly unraveled.
Before Portland's Kristoffer Velde found the net past Carter, LAFC had stretched their clean sheet run to an impressive 572 minutes, eclipsing their own club record and placing fourth among the longest shutout streaks in MLS history.
The all-time MLS shutout record still belongs to the Houston Dynamo, who went 726 minutes without conceding back in 2007, while the 2000 Sporting Kansas City and 2022 New York City FC sides both surpassed the 600-minute mark to occupy the top three spots.
Young Star Shines
With several experienced players absent from the squad, Dos Santos leaned on exciting young talent like Jude Terry, whose debut display was sure to fill supporters and MLS fans with both pride and optimism.
With his team trailing by a goal, the 17-year-old curled a perfectly struck effort with his right foot from outside the penalty area, leaving Portland's James Pantemis with no chance. The finish not only highlighted his immense ability but also kept LAFC's hopes of a comeback alive.
17-YEAR-OLD JUDE TERRY WITH A BANGER FOR @LAFC 💯💯💯 pic.twitter.com/w6Xb2JPLYQ
It wasn't just the goal that caught the eye for Terry — the U.S. youth international delivered an all-around standout performance. Alongside his strike, he completed 58 of 63 passes and registered 80 touches, making a powerful statement in only his second MLS outing.
With the defeat and their defensive record now blemished, LAFC's attention turns to continental action, where they'll look to eliminate defending Concacaf Champions Cup holders Cruz Azul on Tuesday in Mexico, protecting their commanding 3–0 first-leg advantage.
After that second-leg quarterfinal, the Black and Gold return to MLS duty on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes, seeking to reclaim top spot in the standings while managing the demands of a potential Champions Cup semifinal run.