Needing a response, LAFC delivered in a big way on Saturday night at Lumen Field with a classic smash-and-grab 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
Denis Bouanga scored twice, and Mateusz Bogusz also found the net as the Black & Gold overcame the disappointments of the past week – particularly their crushing 5-1 home loss to the Columbus Crew in a rematch of MLS Cup 2023 – against a high-flying Sounders team that entered Matchday 28 on a five-game winning streak.
“It was a very important win for us tonight,” defender Sergi Palencia said post-match. “After the results of the past week against Columbus and Salt Lake, we had to change our mentality and turn the page quickly. Being our last match of this stretch, it was crucial to head into this break with three points.”
Bouanga, last season’s MLS Golden Boot winner presented by Audi, reached 16 goals, moving within one of the current leader, Cristian Arango. Meanwhile, Bogusz continued his breakout 2024 campaign with a stunning full volley from the edge of the box, rounding out the bounce-back win with his 13th goal of the year.
“I had one chance before, I just missed my volley,” Bogusz said. “It was the second chance, so I just said [I’m going to] kick the ball. I [didn’t] have luck. It was a good shot, and it was a goal, so I’m very happy that I could score again and help the team win.”
Maintaining momentum
With Saturday’s result, LAFC extended their unbeaten streak against the Sounders to eight matches, with six wins and two draws since May 2021. This victory also kept them just two points behind the LA Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference standings, though the Black & Gold have two games in hand over their El Tráfico rivals.
“At this point in the season, it’s crucial to start monitoring the standings,” said head coach Steve Cherundolo. “Staying in touch with the top teams is very important.
“Before we can hopefully make some roster improvements in the transfer window and get some rest, it’s vital to maintain our performance before the final stretch of the season begins in late August,” Cherundolo added. “[This win sends] a very important message to the others that we’re still in contention.”
