Los Angeles FC (LAFC) put on a soccer clinic at Lumen Field, dispatching the Seattle Sounders 3-0. This was just what the team needed to banish the ghosts of last week's humiliating 5-1 defeat to Columbus Crew. And what a way to do it! Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz were the stars of the show, restoring confidence and sparkle to the Black & Gold team.
When the referee blew the whistle to start the game, many expected a tight contest, especially since the Seattle Sounders were riding a five-game winning streak. But what unfolded was a true spectacle from LAFC, who not only won but dominated the game from start to finish. Bouanga, with his keen goal-scoring instinct, netted two beautiful goals, showing why he was last season's MLS top scorer. Bogusz, on the other hand, scored a stunning volley that even drew applause from opposing fans.
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This victory was not only crucial for the team's morale but also had special significance for the players and fans. Sergi Palencia, one of the team leaders, emphasized after the game the importance of changing the mentality after painful defeats to Columbus and Salt Lake. "It was vital to turn the page quickly and close this phase with three points," said Palencia.
And speaking of moving forward, Bouanga took another step towards the top of the scoring charts, reaching 16 goals for the season, just one behind current leader Cristian Arango. Bogusz, who is having a breakout year, added his 13th goal with a shot of rare precision and beauty. When asked about his performance, Bogusz was humble and straightforward: "I had a chance earlier, but I missed. The second time, I decided to shoot and got lucky. I'm very happy to help the team win."
The win not only secured three important points but also kept LAFC in a comfortable position in the standings. With this victory, they extended their unbeaten streak against the Sounders to eight games, an impressive record that shows the team's dominance in recent seasons. Moreover, the win kept them close to LA Galaxy, just two points behind, with two games in hand.
Coach Steve Cherundolo didn’t hide his satisfaction with the team's performance. "At this point in the season, you start looking at the standings more closely. Keeping the pace and staying with the top teams is crucial," Cherundolo said. He also mentioned the importance of potential reinforcements during the transfer window and the need to rest before the final sprint of the season. "It's an important signal to others that we're still in the fight," he concluded.