It was back to Leagues Cup action for LAFC, as they stayed at home to host Real Salt Lake for a spot in the quarterfinals. RSL brought a very familiar face and known goal threat, former LAFC forward, Chicho Arango.
Forever a champion. 🖤💛
Welcome back, @Chichoarango. pic.twitter.com/QDTjLW4avL
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
LAFC came into this match with their new goal scoring machine, Denis Bouanga, but were without Captain, Carlos Vela. The team was also looking to build on the momentum from their recent win, as they look to find some more consistency in that regard. The team opened up the match in typical fashion, controlling the tempo and putting together solid looks at goal.
Real Salt Lake were on the ropes right until the final ten minutes of the half, where they seemed to figure it out, and turned the tables on the hosts. Chicho Arango had the best opportunity of the half for the visitors as the half ended, but he couldn’t find the back of the net. The black & gold went into the half leading in just about every category, just not the score column. That one was even at zero as the teams went into the break scoreless. LAFC had the better half, but RSL had the stronger finish.
Scoreless at the half. #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/MWyFrpoQxF
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
Denis Bouanga must have found his shooting boots at halftime, because he came out with them for the second half. Denis got on the end of an incredible pass that he controlled well, then put on a great individual effort to keep possession and get past the defenders to take the lead.
Denis is inevitable. 🫰 pic.twitter.com/ZY6tNXdd57
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
Felt so nice, he went and did it twice. Just minutes later, in the 57th minute, Bouanga took advantage of some really poor possession from the defense, and had a close-range look to double the lead. He just needed the one opportunity to secure his brace.
Daily Double. pic.twitter.com/Lo7gzcrP6T
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
The floodgates were opened it seems, as it didn’t take long for the youth to get in on the fun. Nathan Ordaz got his toe on the ball as it glanced across the front of the goal after a great ball into the box. The goal pushed the lead to three for the home side in just the 62nd, as LAFC began to pull away after a perfect start to the second half.
Boy, that escalated quickly. pic.twitter.com/qBRlC6f43e
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
Just when it looked like LAFC would cruise to the three goal win, the team’s newest signing, Filip Krastev, stamped his debut in style. In the 84th minute the new man took part in some one-two as the team streaked down the pitch. He finished it calmly, and with style, piling on for his new side.
Dance on ’em, Filip. 🕺 pic.twitter.com/MvYfGC0b56
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 9, 2023
The four-goal win not only makes it two wins in a row, but it makes it two very dominant performances at home. The team has won by a combined 11-1 so far in the Leagues Cup, as they get more and more confident as the days go on. Now, the team prepare for the quarterfinals, as they inch closer to lifting the Leagues Cup as the inaugural winners.
How are you feeling after the win? Leave a comment below!