LAFC Advances to Leagues Cup Round of 16 with 2-0 Win Over Austin FC

LLoris making it look easy! Photo by Gilbert Bita

LAFC secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Austin FC in the Round of 32 of the Leagues Cup, continuing their impressive run in the 2024 season. The match, held at BMO Stadium, saw standout performances from Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera, who each found the back of the net to knock out the Texas side.

Denis Bouanga attacking the ball at the 18box. Photo by Gilbert Bita

The scoring opened early in the 11th minute, with a surprising assist from LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Lloris launched a long ball from his own box, catching the Austin FC defense off guard. Bouanga capitalized on the opportunity, outpacing the defenders and coolly slotting the ball past the Austin goalkeeper. The assist marked Lloris’s first in an LAFC shirt and his first since 2010 during his tenure with Lyon.

Cristian Olivera scores against Austin to secure the lead. Photo by Gilbert Bita

LAFC doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Mateusz Bogusz set up Cristian Olivera for a clinical finish. Olivera, who had come on as a substitute at halftime, wasted no time making his impact felt, securing his third goal in Leagues Cup play this year.

Olivera trying to win the ball from Austin FC defender.

Despite Austin FC’s efforts to mount a comeback, Lloris remained a formidable presence between the posts, making five crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet. The victory propels LAFC into the Round of 16, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in the competition.

LAFC NOTES:

• Record-Breaking Season: With the win, LAFC improves to 19-5-6 across all competitions in 2024. The club is 14-5-5 in MLS play, 3-0-0 in the U.S. Open Cup, and 2-0-1 in Leagues Cup.

• BMO Stadium Fortress: LAFC has been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting a 13-1-4 record at BMO Stadium in 2024, including nine clean sheets in those 18 games.

• Dominance Over Austin FC: LAFC is now 7-2-1 in 10 all-time meetings with Austin FC. Since the 2022 Western Conference Championship, LAFC has gone 4-0-1 against the Texas club, outscoring them 13-3.

• Leagues Cup Success: LAFC is 4-1-1 all-time in Leagues Cup, including a dominant 4-0-1 record at BMO Stadium, where they have outscored opponents 18-3.

• Bouanga’s Impact: Denis Bouanga continues to be a key player for LAFC, with eight goals and six assists in six all-time Leagues Cup games. In 2024, Bouanga has 18 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, contributing to half of LAFC’s 64 goals this year.

• Lloris’s Milestone: Hugo Lloris’s assist on Bouanga’s goal was his first for LAFC and his first for any team since May 2010 with Lyon.

• Olivera’s Scoring Touch: Cristian Olivera is LAFC’s top scorer in both the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup in 2024, with three goals in each competition. His 11 goals in all competitions rank third on the team.

• Solid Defense: Lloris’s five saves earned him his second shutout in the Leagues Cup and his 11th overall for LAFC in 2024.

• Notable Starters: Eduard Atuesta and David Martínez each started their first Leagues Cup game of the year, contributing to LAFC’s strong team performance.