In a bizarre and record-breaking match, Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy made history on Matchday 11 of the 2025 MLS season. The game, played in front of a home crowd, saw Sporting KC emerge victorious with a 1-0 win, but it was the manner of their victory that left many scratching their heads. The winning goal came courtesy of an own goal from LA Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida in the 13th minute, which proved to be the decisive moment in the match.
What’s even more astonishing about this result is that Sporting KC became the first team in MLS regular-season history to win a match without taking a single shot. Despite dominating the game, the Galaxy’s relentless pressure and possession-based play ultimately worked against them. The team held an impressive 72% possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, but their inability to capitalize on these chances led to a disheartening loss.
For the LA Galaxy, this loss marked a new low in a struggling season. The team, which lifted the MLS Cup just a few months ago, has now set a record for the longest winless start in the 30-year history of MLS, with 11 consecutive games without a win. This record is one the Galaxy would undoubtedly like to erase from the books as soon as possible.
The statistics from the match only highlighted the Galaxy’s dominance. They posted an expected goals (xG) value of 1.26 and took 11 shots throughout the game, but their inability to find the back of the net ultimately cost them. Meanwhile, Sporting KC’s unorthodox approach, which involved absorbing pressure and relying on a defensive strategy, paid off in the most unexpected way.
After the match, Interim Sporting KC head coach Kerry Zavagnin acknowledged the unusual nature of the result, joking about the record books. “I know we’ve made the record books today in terms of not getting a shot and still winning the game,” he said with a hint of amusement. While the win will undoubtedly boost Sporting KC’s confidence, it’s unlikely they will be looking to repeat this feat anytime soon.
The Galaxy, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy if they hope to turn their season around. With 11 games without a win, the pressure is mounting on the team to find a way to break the deadlock and get back to winning ways. As the MLS season progresses, both teams will look to build on their respective performances, with Sporting KC seeking to maintain their momentum and the Galaxy aiming to rediscover their winning form.
In the world of sports, records are made to be broken, and both teams will undoubtedly be hoping that this particular mark doesn’t stand for too long. For now, Sporting KC can bask in the glory of their historic win, while the Galaxy will need to go back to the drawing board and work on finding a way to snap their win less streak.
