Former French international midfielder Paul Pogba was spotted in the stands as Los Angeles FC suffered their second consecutive defeat in Major League Soccer, falling 1-0 to Austin FC on Saturday.
Currently on the lookout for a new club following an 18-month doping suspension, Pogba was there to support his former France captain, Hugo Lloris, and embraced him pitchside after the final whistle.
The ex-Juventus and Manchester United star, who is marking his 32nd birthday, also exchanged greetings with LAFC’s former French striker, Olivier Giroud, who missed the match due to a leg injury.
Brazilian Guilherme Biro secured victory for Austin with a header from a corner in the 12th minute—a shot that Lloris managed to touch but couldn’t keep out.
After winning their first two matches of the season, LAFC faced a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Sounders last week, followed by this unexpected loss to the Texas team.
Pogba has been dedicating much of his recent time to training alone in Miami, focusing on regaining his fitness before seeking a new club. The 91-cap international has also been spotted attending Inter Miami games of late.
A failed drug test following a match in Italy back in August 2023 resulted in a reduced four-year ban after appeal. Pogba attributed the positive test to a food supplement recommended by a doctor he consulted in the US. Consequently, Juventus terminated his contract in November, allowing any interested club to acquire him without a transfer fee.
In other results, Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers netted his fourth goal of the season with a 44th-minute strike, leading Chicago Fire to a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC.
Andrew Gutman levelled the score with a stunning left-footed shot after Deandre Kerr initially put the Canadian team ahead in the 11th minute.
The New York Red Bulls rallied back for a 2-2 draw against Orlando City after Martin Ojeda gave the visitors the lead in the 18th minute.
Former Bayern Munich forward Erik Choupa-Moting equalised from the penalty spot, but Marco Pasalic restored Orlando’s advantage just before half-time.
Dennis Gjengaar’s close-range effort in the 47th minute ensured New York secured a point.
Sporting Kansas City appeared doomed as they trailed Minnesota United 3-0 at home but produced an extraordinary comeback to draw 3-3.
Hassani Dotson opened the scoring for Minnesota with a thunderous volley in the 15th minute before Tani Oluwaseyi added two more goals, giving the visitors a significant lead.
KC’s resurgence began in the 68th minute with Hungarian Daniel Salloi scoring from a well-placed ball, followed by an own goal from Morris Duggan that closed the gap. With just ten minutes remaining, off-season signing Dejan Joveljic, formerly of LA Galaxy, executed a brilliant finish to complete the turnaround.
Charlotte shuts out Cincy
Charlotte maintained their strong start to the season with a solid 2-0 victory at home over Cincinnati, thanks to Israeli winger Liel Abada, who raced clear to open the scoring in the 48th minute.
Following that, USA international Patrick Agyemang displayed confidence and composure to double the lead, burying the ball past Roman Celentano.
A stunning free-kick from Eduard Loewen was enough to secure a 1-0 win for St. Louis City against Western Conference powerhouse Seattle Sounders.
Loewen’s exquisite strike into the top corner put the home side ahead in the 15th minute, and they managed to withstand a late scare when a penalty was awarded, only for VAR to overturn it after identifying a handball by Obed Vargas.
Alonso Martinez netted the 68th-minute winner as New York City FC triumphed over New England Revolution 2-1.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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