LAFC gets huge road win against FC Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of LAFC

Could winning a trophy provide a massive boost for the stretch run of the regular season? LAFC surely hopes so.

Three days after lifting the US Open Cup, LAFC headed to Southern Ohio to face an FC Cincinnati squad in the midst of trying to improve its standing in the Eastern Conference. Cincinnati made it hard for LAFC throughout the match, but in the end, all that matters is that it found a way to get the full three points. Denis Bouanga was again the hero, as his goal in the 73rd minute enabled LAFC to ultimately escape TQL Stadium with the 2-1 win.

“The win shows a lot of character and mentality in the group,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said.

The win not only clinches a playoff spot for LAFC, but it also improves its position in the Western Conference. LAFC (15-8-7, 52 points) is now tied on points with Real Salt Lake for second place in the West, though they currently occupy second based on having one more win than RSL. LAFC is also six points back of the Galaxy for first place with four matches to play.

Tied at a goal apiece, Bouanga surged LAFC back into the lead in the 73rd minute. LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris sent a long goal kick deep inside Cincinnati’s side of the field, the ball took a bounce and ended up the feet of Bouanga, who was marked by Ian Murphy on the right side just outside the penalty area. Bouanga took the ball into the ball, and despite Murphy’s presence, having a tight angle and having to shoot from his off-foot position, Bouanga still managed to fire the rare right-footed shot that snuck past keeper Roman Celentano and into the far post net to put LAFC back in front.

LAFC took the lead in the 34th minute off the foot of David Martinez. Lewis O’Brien worked a one-two with Kei Kamara, O’Brien played a ball to Martinez igniting an LAFC attack. Martinez took the ball into the penalty area, then fired a shot that beat Celentano far post. Cincinnati found an equalizer in the 61st minute, as they went short on a corner kick, Lucicano Acosta played a ball to Luca Orelllano, who fired a left-footed volley from about 26 yards out, the ball deflected off Kamara, and it turned out to be a fortunate deflection, as the deflection enabled the ball to get past keeper Hugo Lloris and into the back net to level matters.

“Guys That Got The Start Tonight Stepped Up Big Time, Played Really Well For Us,” LAFC right back Ryan Hollingshead said

A busy stretch continues for LAFC, as they gear up for another midweek match at home, this one against St. Louis City SC on Wednesday night.