LAFC vs Real Salt Lake – August 8, 2023
Advancing to the quarterfinals of the inaugural Leagues Cup, the LAFC vs Real Salt Lake match ended in a 4-0 shutout victory for the Black and Gold at home on Tuesday. Bouanga stayed on fire since his hat trick last week against FC Juárez with a brace in the second half. Nathan Ordaz also followed up his first ever goal for LAFC during the previous contest with a goal of his own.
The first half went scoreless as both clubs played tremendous defense although there were a few scoring opportunities that didn’t unfold in favor of LAFC. RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath was just too perfect in the first as LAFC had trouble getting the ball past the 32 year old vet.
Seven minutes into the second half, Bouanga put LAFC on the board on a fast break initiated by our very own Mateusz Bogusz who cleared the ball just high enough to have it land in front of the French winger. Having MacMath on his toes, Bouanga drilled a left-footed shot to put LAFC up 1-0.
Just three minutes later, Bouanga scored his brace as he crept up next to RSL’s Justen Glad on an easy steal to double the lead. The bleeding wouldn’t stop for Real Salt Lake as Diego Palacios found Nathan Ordaz in the 62’ for a quick tap into the back of the net. Following substitutions, newcomer Filip Krastev made his LAFC debut and topped off LAFC’s lead to 4.
LAFC’s 11 goals in Leagues Cup this year is tied for third most. Inter Miami has recorded 13 while Toluca has 14. Bouanga joins the legendary Lionel Messi as the only players with multiple goals across their club’s knockout games.
Next up is Liga MX team Monterrey on Friday, August 11 at the Rose Bowl.
