The former Mexico international lifted the MLS Cup last season and is two matches away from back-to-back titles.
Rodrigo SerranoRodASerranoRoddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Nov 27th, 2023 13:57 EST
STEPH CHAMBERSAFP
LAFC booked their place in the Western Conference final of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs thanks to a narrow victory over Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Denis Bouanga was one of three decisive factors for The Black and Gold, notching his 37th goal of the campaign in all competitions, just one short of teammate Carlos Vela’s single-season club record.
Goodnight Los Angeles. See you Saturday 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/8AB7cZVhon
— LAFC (@LAFC) November 27, 2023
LAFC have to “put individual goals aside” to win MLS Cup
“I think the most important thing is to win the title,” Vela said when asked about Bouanga’s goal haul “If he has to score 10 more goals to give us the trophy, that’s perfect for us. If he has to score two and we win the next two games 1-0, we will be more than happy. In the end we have to put our individual goals aside and we will help in any way we can. He is in good form and we have to capitalise on that,” added the LAFC captain.
Crépau helps end Seattle Sounders’ long unbeaten run
A superb performance from goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who made seven saves on his way to keeping a clean sheet in Seattle, was equally crucial. The Sounders were unable to find a way past the Canadian and, as a result, saw their 19-game playoff unbeaten streak at home come to an end.
“We know how difficult it is to beat Seattle and we had to make a huge effort. We had to kept them at bay, defend better than ever before and Max had some incredible saves. I think we need everyone to play their part. There are two games left to achieve our goal and we need everyone to be playing as well as possible”, stated.
The Conference Finals are locked in. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/JRkCwGpZjl
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 27, 2023
