As the reigning MLS champions, Los Angeles Football Club go into this year’s edition of Leagues Cup as one of the favourites to go all the way.
By virtue of all their all-conquering 2022 campaign, the team have been handed a bye straight into the knockout stage, as has been the case for their LIGA MX opposite number Club Pachuca. The team will open its campaign in the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from the South 1: FC Juárez.
The Falcons have been going through a rough patch of form of late, going into Leagues Cup off the back of just one win in their last six games - a return that’s seen them surrender first place in the Western Conference to St. Louis CITY. That sole win, though, was a resounding 3-0 victory over the league leaders - a clear message that they aren’t giving up their title without a fight.
Coach Steve Cherundolo has a roster with experience in spades to count on as they look to get their form back on track in Leagues Cup action. Although the likes of veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini and iconic striker Carlos Vela will undoubtedly have their part to play, it’s a recent arrival in Denis Bouanga who’s set to be the team’s danger man this summer.
As well as established internationals, the squad also includes a smattering of young prospects who are ready to break onto the continental scene during Leagues Cup. One of these is Croatia’s Stipe Biuk, who at only 20 years of age has managed to make an instant impact on his arrival this season. Here’s a look at the pair who are set to take the tournament by storm.
Denis Bouanga
The 28-year-old has been in the form of his life this season, having already notched 19 goals and 7 assists in all competitions including 12 in MLS action.
The French-born Gabon international joined last summer from Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1, and has taken to North American soccer like a duck to water. He was notably crowned the CONCACAF Champions League top scorer this year.
A season highlight will have been his winner against FC Dallas from an impossibly tight angle, just after stepping off a 16-hour flight after returning from international duty for the game. Undoubtedly the main man for the reigning MLS champions.
Stipe Buik
The Croatian youth international joined from Hajduk Split ahead of the 2023 MLS season, and has found the net three times from the wing - already a career-best return.
As well as having an eye for goal and a creative streak, Buik does not hesitate to get stuck in and carry out some often much-needed defensive work further back. The workhorse wide man is increasingly in the starting lineup, and will be key to the team’s Leagues Cup campaign. One to keep an eye on.
