The Black and Gold have had an impeccable start to their season. They only have one loss in ten games and have reached the Concacaf Champions League Final!
However, it has not been without a bit of trial and error.
LAFC has Too Many Goods
Due to heavy rotation, LAFC has had to plug in some holes and find balance. For starters, many thought LAFC would have difficulty replacing Maxime Crepeau. However, both John McCarthy and Eldin Jakupović have stepped up tremendously in his absence. McCarthy rose to fame after saving three penalty shots last season after Maxime’s injury. McCarthy has had huge saves that have won games for LAFC, which will make it even more difficult when Maxime comes back from injury.
Apart from goalkeeping, LAFC has seen a rise of high-caliber talent in the midfield. Last year Jose Cifuentes was an undeniable starter, and this season he’s a luxury piece coming off the bench. Timothy Tillman has won a starting role and is a key midfielder. They even brought in Mateusz Bogusz and also have Erik Duenas as an upcoming star.
Denis Bouanga is Putting up MVP Numbers
After a slow start to his LAFC career, Denis Bouanga has been on fire this 2023 season. He tallies 15 goals and 4 assists between the league and CCL play. He is showing an offensive explosion that he lacked last year. He has single-handed carried LAFC’s offensive production, which is great news after most fans were concerned about where the goals would come from since they had sold Chicho Arango mere days before the start of the season.
Denis has been so amazing that he nabbed himself his first professional hat trick and has a hat trick in CCL play. Incredible that Denis has scored a hat-trick in two distinct competitions. With this insane production from the Gabonese striker, he is in line to win the 2023 MLS MVP! However, there is still unfinished business for him and LAFC.
As they are competing for the CCL Championship. Sit in second in the MLS standings. Have to play LEagues Cup in the summer. They are, lastly, having moved on in the US Open Cup. When they face off against city rivals, the LA Galaxy, fans can expect big things from the club; this is only the start!
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