The Podium: Leagues Cup Round of 16

Who had the best performances from Leagues Cup Round of 16?

🥉 Mateusz Bogusz (LAFC)

Time off has done wonders for this LAFC team, and players like Bogusz are flashing their rested legs.

The Polish midfielder showed off the height of his potential playing as a natural #10 as LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake 4-0.

Bogusz dictated the flow of the match and, as the source of LAFC’s creativity, was the impetus behind their offensive outburst. Bogusz could be seen all over the pitch, carving out chances for his teammates. Ultimately, the 21-year-old would finish with two assists, including this pin-point pass to Denis Bouanga.

Key Stats: Accurate passes 39/45 (87%), Chances created (5)

🥈 Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

He just keeps doing Messi things. This time against FC Dallas. The Argentine was quick to open the scoring for Inter Miami, sending home Jordi Alba’s pass for 1-0 in the 6th minute. A Messi led team up early felt like a death sentence, but Dallas brought plenty of fight. A 1-0 lead was a 4-2 deficit by the 68th minute. Inter Miami would need some magic, and they just so happen to have a wizard.

A wild Marco Farfan own goal off a Messi free kick cut the Dallas lead to 4-3 in the 80th minute. It would not be the last free kick of the night for Messi. His next would come in the 85th minute from about 25 yards out, a kick he cooly sent into the back of the net for 4-4. Once again, saving Inter Miami from a set piece.

Messi would convert his penalty during the shootout as Inter Miami advanced.

Key Stats: Accurate long balls 4/5 (80%), Successful dribbles 4/8 (50%) 

🥇Denis Bouanga (LAFC)

Our top two remain unchanged from the last round. Bouanga once again beats out Messi for the top spot.

Like Bogusz and much of his team, the time off for LAFC has done wonders. While Bouanga didn’t reach the lofty four-goal contributions like last round, the Gambian still managed an impressive three total contributions.

Bouanga single-handily beat the entire Salt Lake backline to open the scoring. The Gambian followed that up six minutes later. Bouanga pressed center back Justen Glad into a turnover in his own box, and from close range, the forward bagged his second goal of the night.

Feeling himself at the moment, Bouanga would register an assist a short time later, finding Nathan Ordaz in the 62nd minute.

Key Stats: Shot accuracy 3/5 (60%), Passes into final third (3)

Honorable Mentions: Fernando Tapia (QUE), Valber Huerta (TOL), Walker Zimmerman (NSH), Kai Wagner (PHI), Jose Martinez (PHI)