Nkosi Tafari - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Six interceptions at back Tafari recorded five shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake.

Impact Tafari started in the right center-back role of manager Marc Dos Santos' experimental three-man back line, recording six interceptions and two shots on goal across 90 minutes as LAFC's most active defensive presence in a match where RSL generated sustained pressure throughout the second half. He also registered five shots on goal as LAFC's most frequent attacking contributor from the back line, arriving at set pieces to test Rafael on multiple occasions.

SEPTEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Brillant in defense Tafari registered 11 clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 3-1 victory versus Real Salt Lake.

Impact Tafari made 11 clearances, two interceptions and won four of his six duels as LAFC's right center-back, limiting RSL's attacking options and helping restrict the visitors to just one shot on target across the first 45 minutes. He tracked Morgan Guilavogui's movement effectively throughout, cutting off the RSL striker's best runs in behind before Lloris needed to intervene in the fifth minute. Tafari has now started 14 MLS matches in 2026 and confirms his regular role for the Black and Gold.

JULY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in defeat Tafari assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to St. Louis City SC.

Impact Tafari picked up the assist on David Martinez's 73rd minute strike, ripping a pinpoint long ball from deep that Martinez chased down before lifting it over Roman Burki to bring LAFC within one. He also chipped in two clearances and three tackles across a full 90 minute shift, standing out as LAFC's steadiest presence at the back while winning two of his three aerial duels against a St. Louis front line that kept the pressure on all game. Tafari has now started 12 of his 13 MLS appearances this season, with this assist marking his first goal contribution of the campaign.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Defenders Tomas Totland, Rafael Santos power St. Louis City to first victory over LAFC, 2-1

Tomas Totland scored four minutes into the match and fellow defender Rafael Santos added a second-half goal to help St. Louis City beat Los Angeles FC for the first time, 2-1

MAY 14 • Associated Press

LAFC stun Toluca in Champions Cup semis Leg 1 | MLSSoccer.com LAFC dramatically defeated LIGA MX powerhouse Toluca FC, 2-1, in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals thanks to a last-min...

APRIL 30 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Tafari scores in stoppage time, LAFC beats Toluca 2-1 in 1st leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal

Nkosi Tafari headed in Son Heung-Min’s free kick in second-half stoppage time and LAFC beat Toluca FC 2-1 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal

APRIL 30 • Associated Press

Seven clearances in draw Tafari had one tackle (one won), seven clearances and one interception in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Austin FC.

Impact Tafari logged the full 90 in LAFC's back line and helped hold Austin to just one shot on target in the scoreless draw. His unit soaked up long stretches without the ball in the first half, then stayed locked in when Austin turned up the pressure after the break. The result pushed LAFC's season-opening shutout streak to five MLS matches, setting a new league record. Tafari has clearly locked down a starting spot in the back line, turning in a season-high seven clearances and two blocks in this one. He is now up to 25 clearances through five MLS appearances to open the campaign.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Contract option exercised Tafari's option for 2026 was picked up, the club announced.

Impact Tafari will return to Los Angeles for the 2026 season after his option was exercised. The defender has been an undisputed starter in the backline for LAFC in the second part of the season, contributing to a career high 29 tackles while adding 21 interceptions and 138 clearances in 28 appearances for his new club.

DECEMBER 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Disciplined defensive effort Tafari recorded one tackle (zero won) and nine clearances in Friday's 1-0 loss versus Portland Timbers. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 70th minute.

Impact Tafari played the full match at center-back for LAFC and completed a season-high nine clearances. He was solid in keeping the Timbers' forwards away from LAFC's box as most of the shots came from long distance or crosses, and he successfully won aerial battles throughout the game to keep the score tight. The lone goal came from a corner which left no chance for Hugo Lloris or Timothy Tillman to stop it. Though Los Angeles lost, Tafari's dependable display underlined his growing importance to the backline as he started the last three games, contributing 21 clearances, three tackles, and one clean sheet for the black and gold.

JULY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Eight clearances in victory Nkosi Tafari generated one tackle (zero won) and eight clearances in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Minnesota United.

Impact Tafari made his first start since early April and made eight clearances. This brought his total clearances for the year to 35. In the game, he lost his only tackle but did complete 45 of his 50 passes.

JULY 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Solid performance Tafari recorded four tackles (one won), seven clearances and one interception in Saturday's 1-0 win over New York City FC.

Impact Tafari started his first MLS match, going the whole 90 minutes while completing seven clearances and four tackles against NYCFC. He will be a solid choice at right back for LAFC, having made 25 starts in 28 MLS appearances in 2024 with Dallas.

MARCH 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

LAFC acquire D Nkosi Tafari from FC Dallas Los Angeles FC acquired veteran defender Nkosi Tafari from FC Dallas, both clubs announced Thursday.Dallas receives $300,000 in 2026 General...

JANUARY 23, 2025 • SACBEE.COM

LAFC acquire defender Nkosi Tafari from FC Dallas | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade - LAFC receive: Nkosi Tafari - DAL receive: $300k GAM, int'l roster slot LAFC have acquired center back Nkosi...

JANUARY 23, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Dealt to LAFC Tafari was traded to LAFC from Dallas, the club announced Thursday.

Impact Tafari makes the switch to LAFC where he should take an immediate starting role. The defender has been a consistent starter in Dallas for each of the past two seasons, making 28 appearances (25 starts) in 2024.

JANUARY 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back with Dallas Tafari is returning to Dallas after his option for 2025 was picked up, the club announced.

Impact Tafari is set to return to Dallas with his option picked up for another year. The defender has been a major contributor in each of the last four seasons, making this an unsurprising move. Tafari played 2,251 minutes in 2024, scoring three times and keeping four clean sheets.

NOVEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in win over DC United Tafari scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-3 win versus D.C. United.

Impact Tafari scored an early equalizer for Dallas in this match, as he took advantage of a perfect corner kick from the right wing to drill a volley from inside the box. This was Tafari's third goal of the season, but as a center-back, he's expected to earn most of his value through defensive stats.

AUGUST 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Bags goal Tafari scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 3-2 win over Portland Timbers.

Impact Tafari scored a slighly rare goal Thursday, finding the back of the net in the 61st minute off of a Sebastian Lletget assist. This marks Tafari's second goal of the campaign, with both coming in his past five appearances. He was also decent in the defense, notching two tackles won and three clearances.

JULY 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores goal in victory Tafari scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 victory over St. Louis City SC.

Impact Tafari doubled the lead by heading Sebastian Lletget's set piece cross during the 81st minute against St. Louis. In addition to the goal, Tafari was involved in defensive duties and recorded a clean sheet while winning all of his eight duels as the left-sided member of a back three. He scored for only the first time this season, though he could continue to take advantage of his height to win in aerial play as long as he stays in the lineup.

JUNE 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Back from suspension Tafari completed his one-game suspension and will be available for Dallas' next match against Minnesota United on Saturday.

Impact Tafari has made 12 appearances (11 starts) for Dallas this season, and the center-back should make an immediate return to the starting lineup. He's recorded eight straight games with multiple clearances, and most of his fantasy value is tied to what he can do as a defensive presence.

JUNE 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

FC Dallas' Nkosi Tafari fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee | MLSSoccer.com The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued one fine following Matchday 17 of the 2024 season.

MAY 31, 2024 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Given red card Tafari picked up two yellow cards and was sent off in the 82nd minute of Wednesday's 3-1 defeat versus Los Angeles Galaxy. He generated two clearances before his removal.

Impact Tafari was handed a double yellow card and is set for a one match suspension. He's started six of the last seven matches played, recording 10 tackles, 34 clearances and eight blocks in that span. This puts him at an average of about 3.9 clearances per game. The veteran Omar Gonzalez is set to get the start at center back alongside Sebastian Ibeagha for the clash with LAFC.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

SSFC Spotlight: Nkosi Tafari receives first USMNT call-up The centre-back is coming off of a strong year in MLS.

JANUARY 17, 2024 • STARSANDSTRIPESFC.COM

One shot in defeat Tafari had one shot on target and made six clearances in Friday's 1-0 defeat to Seattle.

Impact Dallas did not carry much of an attacking threat and Tafari was responsible for their only effort at goal, a header that was easily saved. The defender made decent progress this season, starting all but a handful of games and picking up an impressive haul of attacking returns (three goals and three assists) for a centre-back.

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes 10 clearances in loss Nkosi Tafari recorded three shots (one on goal), 10 clearances, four interceptions and three tackles (two won) in Monday's 2-0 defeat versus Seattle Sounders FC. In addition, he wa...

Impact Nkosi Tafari had a good defensive outing, but it wasn't enough to avoid the loss on the road. The centerback led his side in clearances as usual, matching his season-high. He also received his fifth yellow card so far, though.

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists on opening goal Nkosi Tafari assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-1 win versus Los Angeles Galaxy.

Impact Nkosi Tafari helped his side open up an early lead with an assist on a through ball to Bernard Kamungo in the third minute of play. Soon after, he had another attempt of his own blocked but then settled back into a mostly defensive mindset the rest of the way.

OCTOBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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Defenders Tomas Totland, Rafael Santos power St. Louis City to first victory over LAFC, 2-1

Tafari scores in stoppage time, LAFC beats Toluca 2-1 in 1st leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal