Arango hat trick lifts LAFC over FC Dallas

Cristian Arango scored a hat track, including two goals in a span of just four minutes in the second half, as Los Angeles FC came from behind twice to defeat FC Dallas 3-2 on Wednesday in a key Western Conference match in Frisco, Texas.

The win allowed LAFC (11-12-7, 40 points) to earn three crucial points in their chase for a postseason spot. Los Angeles will be no higher than eighth place and at least two points below the playoff line heading into this weekend's matches with four games left in its regular season.

FC Dallas jumped to the lead in the 10th minute when Ryan Hollingshead made quick work of a pass from Jesus Ferreira and converted from the center of the box into the right corner. Hollingshead trailed the play that was started by Jaden Obrian and after a shot by Ema Twumasi that was blocked onto the feet of Ferreira.

LAFC, which won their second straight match, tied the game in the 33rd minute on a penalty kick by Arango. Arango converted from the spot when Los Angeles' Raheem Edwards was fouled in the area by Matt Hedges, with the penalty confirmed by VAR.

Dallas reassumed the advantage in the 45th minute with Franco Jara scoring upon receiving a spot-on crossing pass from Obrian.

Arango evened the match again in the 75th minute with a right-footed shot to the center of the goal after an assist by Danny Musovski. Arrango then hit the game-winner four minutes hence; it was his 11th goal of the season.

FC Dallas (6-14-10, 28 points) returned to play for the first time since Oct. 2 and remain winless over their past eight matches (five losses and three draws). FCD have not tasted victory since a 5-3 win over last-place Austin at home on Aug. 29 and have not won since interim coach Marco Ferruzzi took charge of the team on Sept. 19.

The loss on Wednesday officially eliminated FC Dallas from postseason consideration.

LAFC have never lost to FC Dallas, garnering a 3-0-1 record since 2019.