Mathieu Choinière played a pivotal role in maintaining Los Angeles FC’s flawless record during the 2026 season, scoring both goals in a recent match against St. Louis City. The game took place at BMO Stadium, where LAFC faced a St. Louis side seeking its first victory of the season.
Choinière Leads LAFC to Victory
Choinière, a 27-year-old from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute. He intercepted a misplaced pass from St. Louis defender Daniel Edelman, surged forward, and finished with a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Roman Burki. This goal not only gave LAFC the lead but also marked Choinière’s first goals of the season, tying his total from the previous year in just four games.
Less than ten minutes later, Choinière doubled the score at 2-0, taking advantage of a deflected shot. He collected the ball outside the box and again used St. Louis defenders as a screen to beat Burki with a second low drive. His performance has set him on track to match his career-best of five goals in a season, achieved while playing for CF Montreal in 2023.
Match Highlights
- LAFC maintained a perfect record of four wins in four matches for the 2026 season.
- Choinière scored his first two goals of the season in this match.
- LAFC’s dominance was evident as they created multiple scoring chances throughout the game.
Janine Sonis’ Inaugural Match with Denver Summit
In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Janine Sonis experienced a tumultuous debut with Denver Summit against Bay FC. Captaining the expansion team, Sonis assisted in Denver’s first-ever goal but faced disappointment shortly after. In the 27th minute, she received a red card for a high tackle, leaving her team to play a man down.
Match Recap
- Sonis assisted Melissa Kossler’s goal in the 20th minute, marking the Summit’s first score.
- A misstep in defense allowed Bay FC to retake the lead following Sonis’s red card.
- Denver Summit ultimately lost the match 2-1, denying them a historic victory in their inaugural match.
Ali Ahmed Shines for Norwich City
Meanwhile, Ali Ahmed continues to impress in the Championship with Norwich City. Since joining the team in January, Ahmed has played a crucial role in their turnaround, contributing to eight wins in ten matches. In a recent game against Preston North End, Ahmed scored his fourth goal of the season, demonstrating his impactful presence on the pitch.
Notable Achievements
- Ahmed scored in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a rebound to give Norwich a 1-0 lead.
- Norwich City secured their fourth consecutive league victory, rising to 12th in the standings.
- They are now positioned 12 points clear of the relegation zone, with potential playoff aspirations.
With Choinière’s standout performance, Sonis’s emotive debut, and Ahmed’s contributions, Canadian players continue to make their mark in soccer leagues across North America. Their efforts not only highlight individual talent but also contribute to the growing presence of Canadians in professional soccer.
