Former France international midfielder Paul Pogba was spotted in the stands as Los Angeles FC succumbed to their second consecutive defeat in Major League Soccer, losing 1-0 to Austin FC on Saturday.
Pogba, currently on the lookout for a new club after completing an 18-month ban for doping, watched his former France captain, Hugo Lloris, play and shared a warm embrace with him by the pitch following the match.
As he celebrated his 32nd birthday, the ex-Juventus and Manchester United star also caught up with LAFC’s former French forward Olivier Giroud, who was sidelined due to a leg injury.
Austin secured the win with a header from Brazilian Guilherme Biro in the 12th minute, a shot that Lloris managed to touch but could not prevent from entering the net.
After winning their first two matches of the season, LAFC suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to the Seattle Sounders last week, followed by this unexpected setback against the team from Texas.
Pogba has been training alone in Miami over the past few months, focused on regaining his fitness before finding a new club.
The 91-time capped French international has been noted at recent Inter Miami games.
A failed drugs test following a match in Italy in August 2023 led to an initial four-year ban, which was later reduced upon appeal.
Pogba attributed the positive result to a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.
Juventus terminated his contract last November, allowing any interested clubs to sign him without having to pay a transfer fee.
In other action, Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers netted his fourth goal of the season, scoring the decisive goal in the 44th minute as Chicago Fire triumphed 2-1 over Toronto FC.
After Deandre Kerr opened the scoring for the Canadian side in the 11th minute, Andrew Gutman levelled things up with a powerful left-foot strike.
New York Red Bulls battled back for a 2-2 draw at home against Orlando City after Martin Ojeda put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute.
Former Bayern Munich striker Erik Choupa-Moting equalised for the Red Bulls via the penalty spot, but Marco Pasalic restored Orlando’s advantage just six minutes before half-time.
Dennis Gjengaar’s close-range effort in the 47th minute secured a point for New York.
Sporting Kansas City looked set for defeat when they trailed Minnesota United 3-0 on home turf but pulled off a remarkable comeback to finish with a 3-3 draw.
Hassani Dotson opened the scoring for Minnesota with a powerful volley in the 15th minute, followed by two goals from Tani Oluwaseyi giving the visitors a commanding lead.
KC’s resurgence began in the 68th minute when Hungarian Daniel Salloi poked a ball over the top into the net, and an own goal from Morris Duggan further closed the gap.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Dejan Joveljic, who joined from the LA Galaxy in the off-season, capped the comeback with an exquisite finish.
Charlotte Shuts Out Cincy
Charlotte maintained their strong start to the season with a commendable 2-0 victory at home against Cincinnati, with Israeli winger Liel Abada breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute after making a quick break.
Charlotte then capitalised on a defensive lapse from Cincinnati, as USA international Patrick Agyemang showcased his poise to slot the ball past Roman Celentano.
A brilliant free-kick from Eduard Loewen sealed a 1-0 win for St. Louis City against the formidable Seattle Sounders in their home clash, with the German’s stunning shot finding the top corner in the 15th minute. The home side faced a late scare when a penalty was awarded, but after VAR review, it was deemed that Obed Vargas had handled, which nullified the penalty.
Alonso Martinez netted the 68th-minute winner as New York City FC defeated New England Revolution 2-1.
Inter Miami are set to travel to Atlanta United on Sunday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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