LAFC vs Austin FC Highlights – April 8, 2023
Dénis Bouanga was on fire for the LAFC vs Austin FC Western Conference Final rematch on Saturday as he scored all three of LAFC’s goals for the 3-0 win at home at BMO Stadium. LAFC are now 4-0-2 with 14 points for the 2023 MLS season.
Austin FC started the match with Žan Kolmanič hitting the crossbar on a long shot in the 5th minute. LAFC’s Stipe Biuk shot a bullet in the 10th minute directly at ATX goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who saved another shot by the near post from Bouanga on the same possession directly after.
In the 40th minute, Biuk took a shot that was immediately deflected toward Bouanga toward the top of the box. Bouanga then struck the ball past five Verde and Black jerseys and off the left post and into the back of the net. ATX found a scoring opportunity right before the half as forward Maximiliano Urruti took a shot right at the middle of the goal but LAFC goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic was able to make the save.
Minutes after the start of the second half, Bouanga was the recipient of another deflection following a corner kick and two touches, and scored his brace in the 58th minute after running from the penalty arc to secure the ball inside the box. Bouanga still wasn’t done. Catching Bouanga’s signal, LAFC’s Sergi Palencia launched a cross from the corner of the penalty box and right into DB’s right foot for the volley hat trick. It seemed like everything that Bouanga touched turned into goals.
Bouanga’s hat trick was his first ever in his MLS career, and he became the fifth player in club history to score a hat trick in Major League Soccer. The last Black and Gold player to record a hat trick was Carlos Vela during the 2022 season opener against the Colorado Rapids.
Along with FC Cincinnati, LAFC is the only other team in the MLS that still remains undefeated. The Black and Gold will play their second leg of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, April 11 as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps at BMO Stadium.
Watch More LAFC vs Austin FC Highlights:
LAFC vs Austin FC – 10/30/22
LAFC vs Austin FC – 8/26/22
LAFC vs Austin FC – 5/18/22
