Dénis Bouanga continues goal-scoring form as LAFC sweep aside the New England Revolution
The Gabonese forward scored twice on Sunday night in a comprehensive win, taking his tally to five goals in three games.
LAFC ran out comfortable winners on Sunday evening, beating the New England Revolution 4-0 in a fine performance from the home side. Despite the loss of top scorer Cristian Arango earlier this year LAFC look to have found the required firepower to mount a serious championship challenge.
Their win over the Revolution was set in motion by a brace from Dénis Bouanga, who took his total for the season to an impressive five goals in three games. He opened the scoring at the BMO Stadium with a coolly despatched penalty and then showed great strength to hold off his marker and double his side’s lead midway through the second half.
Bouanga also saw a powerful free-kick strike the crossbar, denying him a second consecutive hat-trick. The French-born Gabonese forward had also scored three times in a win over Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense on Friday night in the CONCACAF Champions League.
More to come from Bouanga
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo praised Bouanga on his progress in the post-match press conference on Sunday evening, but insisted that there’s more to come from the pacy forward.
“We’re delighted with Dénis. We knew he had the potential last year to score a lot of goals in this league and to be one of the best players in the league,” Cherundolo said.
“Last year it didn’t click prolifically but he was still a very important piece of our championship team. And this year, he is scoring and he will continue to score. He’s good.”
Bouanga joined LAFC halfway through last season and became a regular in the side that would go on to be crowned both MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield champions. However while he became a valued member of the squad, he contributed just three goals and a single assist in ten games.
Bouanga has taken time to adapt after Ligue 1 switch
The 28-year-old forward built a solid career in France and played 135 Ligue 1 matches before agreeing a move to MLS in 2022. Most of his time in the French top flight was spent at AS Saint-Étienne and he was a popular player during his time with Les Verts.
His form earnt him a call-up to the Gabonese national team, where he lined up alongside another former Saint-Étienne star, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Speaking after the win over the Revs, Bouanga attributed his good form to a feeling of ease now that he has settled in Los Angeles. After his mid-season switch last year it took some time to get to know the squad.
“By doing the preseason, it’s easier to find the teammates and the teammates find me better,” Bouanga said, through a translator.
“Playing next to [Carlos] Vela and the other players, everyone makes me feel really welcome so I feel confident,” he added. “When I’m on the field I give 100 percent of myself and the team is getting better and better and I’m getting better also.”