The Summer Olympics are just around the corner and as such, the MLS season is set to pause while players around the league head out to represent their respective countries. While there will be a Leagues Cup tournament as to keep the players remaining somewhat fresh, tonight is the last MLS match we will see LAFC in until late August. It’s a battle, as the team look to get back into the win column to head into break on top of the conference against the always tough Seattle Sounders.
Morning stroll ☕️ pic.twitter.com/FSG44Pgp1j
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 20, 2024
Always knowing the importance of an early goal on the road, LAFC were quick on the gas from kickoff, putting the pressure on Seattle early. That pressure led to some wackiness in the box early in the half, and gave LAFC their best chance of the night. A dangerous ball towards goal was bobbled and fumbled around with as bodies flew all around, and it was Sounder defender Nouhou who tumbled over the ball and got a hand on it on the way down. After a quick monitor trip the call for penalty was confirmed and in the 17th minute Denis Bouanga stepped up to the spot and put it home for the early lead.
Automatic from the spot 🎯@BouangaDenis puts us in front with the penalty kick.#SEAvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/087FknmEEm
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 21, 2024
The quick start continued as just over ten minutes later, LAFC got their second of the night behind Bouanga’s partner in crime, Mateusz Bogusz. The initial shot was headed away, but it was right towards Bogusz who needed just a glance to take the shot from range, getting past everyone in his way and over the line to double the lead for the black & gold.
Mateusz Bogusz with the volley from distance 🚀#SEAvLAFC 0-2 pic.twitter.com/pBtjr1ukbE
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 21, 2024
Seattle went into the half with more of the possession at 65% and even had more shots than LAFC (8) but none of those shots were on target and none of them threatening in that first half, as they went into the break down two goals. LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo talked before the match about using LAFC’s strength in transition to their advantage and that is exactly what they have done in the first half. Now, they just have to see out the result and head into the break three points richer.
Seattle started the second half fairly strong. They were able to find a little bit more space, threaten the goal some more than in the first half, and through 70 minutes they looked like they were just a moment away from cutting their deficit in half. Then transition happened. In the 74th minute LAFC took just two passes to get it the length of the pitch and onto the feet of an in-stride Bouanga who took it the final third of the way and smashed it past the keeper for his brace, giving LAFC their third goal, all but ensuring the three points.
Dagger 🗡️
Denis Bouanga scores to make it 3⃣#SEAvLAFC 0-3 pic.twitter.com/21wGCIZWGh
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 21, 2024
The Sounders put on several chances at the end of the match that came really close, and we mean close, to getting into the back of the net. Hugo Lloris came up massive on one of the shots with a save from just about point-blank range. Then, when it looked like Seattle had passed into an easy goal, it was cleared off the line by the LAFC defense. When the final whistle blew it was Los Angeles who came away with the three points, as well as the clean sheet in the big win on the road to close out action ahead of MLS summer break. Now, the team get ready for some Leagues Cup action as they aim to keep fit, and keep in form during this month-long MLS hiatus.
Thoughts on the win? Leave a comment below!