LAFC vs Austin FC – October 7, 2023
In their second to last regular season game, the Black and Gold came out victorious in the LAFC vs Austin FC match on Saturday night with a 4-2 win. Once again, Denis Bouanga made a huge impact scoring a brace as well as an assist while teammate Timothy Tillman and Cristian Olivera recorded a goal each.
Tillman scored the first goal of the game at the 13 minute mark when he succeeded on the first shot attempt of the game straight through five Verde and Black defenders. For the record, LAFC now has a 4-0-0 record in MLS play when the German midfielder has scored.
Toward the end of the first half, Cristian Olivera got tripped up on a play near the goal by ATX’s Leo Väisänen. After VAR, Bouanga doubled the lead to 2-0 on a penalty kick. Just a minute later, Bouange secured his brace on an assist from Mateusz Bogusz.
Bouange had an opportunity in the 68th minute to accomplish a back-to-back hat trick game, but his shot bounced off Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver and straight to teammate Cristian Olivera who finished at the back of the net to extend the lead to 4-0.
In the 75th minute of the match, Väisänen took an incredible header off Daniel Pererira’s cross. Unfortunately LAFC’s Giorgio Chiellini surrendered an own goal during the second half stoppage.
Heading to the final international break, LAFC own a 14-10-9 record with 51 points. With one last match left in the 2023 MLS regular season, the Black and Gold will suit back up on Decision Day on Saturday, October 21 against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.
