Former Loons manager Adrian Heath reflected on the Danladi selection during an interview with the Pioneer Press in December. At the time, Ebobisse, who had left Duke early, had briefly trained with MNUFC during its final season in the North American Soccer League in 2016. The Loons were encouraged by what they saw.

Second Half_1, Los Angeles FC, Ebobisse, 1 (Ordaz), 78th minute. Goalies_Minnesota, Dayne St. Clair, Alec Smir; Los Angeles FC, Hugo Lloris, Thomas Hasal. Yellow Cards_Boxall, Minnesota, 39th; Dotson, Minnesota, 74th.

Left wingback Joseph Rosales exited at halftime, a surprise because he was one of the Loons’ best players in 2024 and there were no glaring issues in the first 45 minutes. It remained unclear as to why he came out until Apple TV commentator Taylor Twellman said Anthony Markanich subbed in for tactical reasons.

Here is what went down across all the grounds on a thoroughly entertaining opening night. We'll start in Los Angeles for the early match of the day. Summer signing Jeremy Ebobisse fired LAFC to an opening-day win with a late go-ahead strike against Minnesota United.