LAFC talisman Denis Bouanga found a new partner to torture opponents with on Friday night in Los Angeles as his side executed a classic smash-and-grab, 3-0, victory in their Leauges Cup opener against Club Tijuana.
The reigning MLS Golden Boot winner’s main partner in crime this season, Mateusz Bogusz, started the match on the bench for the Black & Gold while Uruguayan winger Cristian “Kike” Olivera happily filled the goalscoring void by repeatedly connecting with Bouanga to ensure three points after recently returning from Copa America.
Despite Xolos dominating possession with more than 70 percent of the ball in the first half, LAFC created the most dangerous chances on the counterattack. Within 10 minutes, the Black & Gold produced three big chances in transition — with the third time proving to be the charm for Bouanga. Leaving three Tijuana defenders in his wake, Bouanga put his assist on a silver platter for a streaking Olivera to tap in.
Scary scenes quickly followed when Xolos captain Christian Rivera was injured after a strong Eddie Segura challenge, requiring the midfielder to be stretchered off. Tijuana coach Juan Carlos Osorio reacted with passion toward the fourth official and was shown a red card.
LAFC continued to play directly against a Tijuana side that struggled with defensive positioning all night. With halftime approaching, the combination of Bouanga and Olivera struck again, this time with the Uruguayan setting up the Gabonese for a simple back-post finish on Olivera’s cross. Not long after halftime, the pair combined again for a third with Olivera getting the final touch for his brace.
The absence of LIGA MX All-Star center-back Unai Bilbao for Xolos was evident every time Bouanga broke into space on the counter.
Bouanga starred in the inaugural Leagues Cup with six goals and three assists in three knockout matches after LAFC skipped the group stage thanks to their 2022 MLS Cup victory. This time around, nothing has changed, as he finished his first match with a goal and two assists.
The Black and Gold can now turn their attention to winning their West 7 group when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday night.
