LAFC vs Colorado Rapids – August 23, 2023
The Black and Gold asserted their dominance with a 4-0 victory in the LAFC vs Colorado Rapids game on Wednesday, returning to MLS action after a month-long break for the Leagues Cup. Mateusz Bogusz, Carlos Vela, Ryan Hollingshead, and Cristian Olivera were all able to score one goal each in the sold out shutout at BMO Stadium.
LAFC’s first goal came in the 19th minute when Vela drove down midfield and found Bogusz for a liner toward the far post and scored past Rapids goalkeeper Marko Ilic. Vela was able to score one of his own just 10 minutes later on an open look toward the back of the net to put LAFC up 2-0.
Vela has 14 goals and 10 assists through 33 appearances across all competitions this season. The only other player on the team with 10 or more goals and assists in all competitions in 2023 is Denis Bouanga. Between the MLS Regular Season, Concacaf Champions League, U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup, the pair has converted 39 of their Club’s 68 goals.
Rapids’ Diego Rubio made his first MLS appearance since May 13 after recovering from an upper-body injury, but Colorado failed to score for the 13th match this season. Alongside Rubio, Colorado’s summer acquisition Rafael Navarro from Brazil made his league debut as well, although he was unable to give his club much on attack.
LAFC went ahead to score another goal before the end of the first half thanks to Hollinghead as he ran down half the field and tucked one into the far post in the 36th minute. The final nail in the coffin came in the 84’ when Olivera, making his LAFC debut, brought the lead to 4-0 thanks to Denis Bouanga’s assist.
With 10 games remaining in the regular season, LAFC is now alone in second place in the MLS Western Conference with a record of 11-6-7 and 40 points. They are currently four points behind St. Louis CITY for the top spot.
