MLS
Who is the MLS top scorer? Denis Bouanga leads the race for Golden Boot
The LAFC striker has moved clear of Luciano Acosta with five goals in his last two MLS outings and could also pick up the MVP Award.
Denis Bouanga looks set to win the MLS Golden Boot after an astonishing week with LAFC.
The reigning MLS Cup champions secured comprehensive wins over Minnesota United and Austin FC, with Bouanga scoring five goals across those two fixtures. The Gabonese forward had scored in just one of his previous nine MLS appearances but looks to be hitting top form as LAFC gear up for the playoffs.
Bouanga joined LAFC in the summer of 2022 and had a slow start to life in MLS, scoring once in seven regular season outings last season. But in the MLS Cup he proved decisive in the quarter-final clash against rivals LA Galaxy, notching a crucial brace in a 3-2 victory.
LAFC have a tough trip to Vancouver Whitecaps in their final regular season fixture, but with a three-goal lead at the top of the scoring charts it is difficult to see Bouanga being overtaken now.
MLS top scorers
- Denis Bouanga - 19 goals
- Luciano Acosta - 16 goals
- Hany Mukhtar - 15 goals
- Giorgos Giakoumakis - 15 goals
- Brian White - 15 goals
- Chucho Hernandez - 15 goals
- Daniel Gazdag - 14 goals
- Christian Benteke - 14 goals
- Alan Pulido - 14 goals
- Facundo Torres - 14 goals
Who will win MLS MVP?
Despite being in his first full season in Los Angeles Bouanga now looks like one of the league’s established stars. He initially struggled for goals after joining LAFC last year but his direct running caused defences problems and his finishing looks much improved in 2023.
The 28-year-old began this season with ten goals in his first 12 games, before going through a dry spell in front of goal. He can be a patchy player in front of goal but his quality when in form can be a real game-changer for Steve Cherundolo’s side. Last Wednesday he was back to he best, recording a lethal first half hat trick against Minnesota.
Also in contention for MVP is Luciano Acosta, the captain and talisman of Supporters’ Shield winners Cincinnati FC. The diminutive Argentine has been on red-hot form for Cincy and is one of the most devastating attacking talents in the league. In 31 MLS appearances this season Acosta has registered 16 goals and 13 assists, a league-high for total goal involvements.
Last year’s MLS Golden Boot winner and MVP Hany Mukhtar is also in the running to clinch the Landon Donovan MVP Award. The Nashville SC star has notched 15 goals and 10 assists and would become the first player to retain the MVP trophy if he wins it again this year.
Outside of those three, Atlanta United playmaker Thiago Almada and Cucho Hernandez of Columbus Crew are the most likely candidates to spring a surprise and finish as the MVP.