If LAFC is not regarded as one of the best teams in MLS, then certainly they have to be regarded as one of the deepest in MLS.
Having played the first leg of its CONCACAF Champions League matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps, a 3-0 win at BC Place Stadium, this past Wednesday, and with the second leg just two days away, head coach Steve Cherundolo rotated parts of the lineup for Saturday’s league match with Austin FC. Starting on the bench were captain Carlos Vela, Right Back Ryan Hollingshead, and even keeper John McCarthy.
Despite the changes, one thing remained constant for LAFC, and that is Denis Bouanga scoring goals. Fresh off his brace in Vancouver on Wednesday, Bouanga remained locked in in its rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final with Austin, as his hat trick on Saturday evening carried LAFC to a win by the exact same scoreline (3-0) it had recorded back in November.
“We did not give up much at all,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “Even though we conceded some possession, we didn’t concede any chances in the first half. We did make an adjustment around the 31st minute which then made things a little easier. The game turned completely after that point, and we were in complete control towards the end.”
In addition to his six league goals to start the 2023 season, Bouanga has scored four CCL goals to add to his hot start to 2023. His performance on Saturday earned him chants of MVP from the LAFC crowd.
“It’s a magical run because it’s not given to everyone and I am really happy to share that with the people who come to see the games,” Bouanga said.
Bouanga got LAFC going in the 40th minute. Biuk held a ball on the let side just outside the penalty area and looked to play a cross into the box, the cross was deflected, but found the foot of Bouanga, who let loose a low volley right around the outside line of the penalty area that got past Brad Stuver and into the back net.
Bouanga really rose to the occasion in the second half. Bouanga got goal number two in the 57th minute, as Kellyn Acosta sent a corner into the penalty area, the shot took several deflections before Bouanga sent another one-timer past Stuver at the near post to double the LAFC advantage. Bouanga got his hat trick in the 68th minute, as Sergi Palencia crossed into the penalty area, the cross was too high for Jose Cifuentes, but perfect for Bouanga, as he one-timed a shot past Stuver far post.
