Los Angeles FC blanked Sporting Kansas City Saturday evening at Children’s Mercy Park 2-0. Though the home squad had a big possession advantage and created some opportunities, the same problems that have bedevilled the team throughout its eleven-game winless streak (extending to last year) were evident, even as Sporting has overhauled its roster for the 2025 season.

One of those familiar issues is a lack of offensive productivity, with Sporting creating but not converting chances in front of the opponent’s goal. Head coach Peter Vermes dissected the scoring woes after the match.

“We had the ball a lot,” said Sporting’s veteran leader, marking his 700th appearance with the club, “but I don’t think we were dangerous enough with it for the final pass or at the final challenge. We had some good service in the box, but the runs weren’t there at times or they were but the ball wasn’t there at the same time.”

Sporting got a strong run of play to open the game, with a chance for Erik Thommy building up the left side in the ninth minute, but it was LAFC that nicked the scoreboard first in the 18th minute.

John Pulskamp denied a close range shot from Ryan Hollingshead, but LA regrouped and forward David Martinez scored on a well-placed entry from Mark Delgado.

In the first half’s single minute of stoppage, Manu Garcia had a chance to equalize. Dejan Joveljic headed the ball into the Spanish midfielder’s path, but goalkeeper Hugo Lloris tipped away the shot.

Aaron Long doubled the LA lead nine minutes into the second half, when the visitors took advantage of a free kick from twenty yards. Pulskamp parried Hollingshead’s header on the kick, but Long put the rebound into the net for a goal.

Sporting briefly appeared to have a penalty kick chance in the 70th minute. Shapi Suleymanov went down in the 18-yard box and got the whistle, but a video review determined the play was legal and the penalty was rescinded.

The game marked the first start for Jansen Miller, signed to the club in mid-February. After the game, head coach Peter Vermes praised the professional debut of the 23-year-old defender.

“I think he played really well,” said Vermes. “He’s got very good instincts in the game and in the position. He’s a battler and very good in the air. I think he did himself proud today. I think he was a really bright spot in the game.”

Sporting Kansas City will play next in Dallas on Mar. 29. The next home match will be against Midwest rival St. Louis City on Apr. 5, with a 7:30 p.m. start.