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Los Angeles, CA – March 4, 2025 – Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) delivered a commanding performance at BMO Stadium on Tuesday night, defeating the Columbus Crew 3-0 in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup. Denis Bouanga’s scintillating brace and a late strike from substitute Nathan Ordaz handed LAFC a significant advantage heading into the second leg, putting the reigning Leagues Cup champions on the back foot.
The Black & Gold wasted no time asserting their dominance in this highly anticipated clash, which marked yet another chapter in the growing rivalry between the two MLS powerhouses. Coming off a string of losses to Columbus in recent high-stakes encounters—including the 2023 MLS Cup Final and the 2024 Leagues Cup Final—LAFC appeared determined to rewrite the narrative. And they did so in style.
Bouanga Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Denis Bouanga, LAFC’s Gabonese star, pounced on an opportunity gifted by a defensive miscue. A wayward back pass from Columbus’ Steven Moreira landed at Bouanga’s feet, and the prolific forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to give LAFC a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Bouanga’s first of the 2025 season, signaling the start of what promises to be another standout campaign for the former MLS Golden Boot winner.
Columbus, despite their pedigree as a hard-working and tactically astute side under coach Wilfried Nancy, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. LAFC’s high pressing and organized defending limited the Crew’s chances, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rarely tested. The home side carried a deserved lead into the break, setting the stage for an explosive second half.
Bouanga’s Brilliance Doubles the Lead
If the first goal was a product of opportunism, Bouanga’s second was a moment of pure brilliance. Barely a minute into the second half, the 30-year-old winger collected a precise pass on the left side of the penalty area, maneuvered into space, and unleashed a curling rocket into the top right corner. The strike left Schulte with no chance and sent the BMO Stadium crowd into a frenzy. Bouanga’s sensational effort doubled LAFC’s advantage to 2-0, showcasing the individual quality that has made him one of MLS’s most feared attackers.
The goal not only highlighted Bouanga’s flair but also underscored LAFC’s intent to seize control of the tie early. With Columbus reeling, the home side continued to pile on the pressure, generating a flurry of chances while maintaining a suffocating defensive shape.
Ordaz Seals the Deal
As the match entered its final stages, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo turned to his bench to close out the game. Enter Nathan Ordaz, the young homegrown forward with Mexican-Salvadoran-American roots, who made an immediate impact. In the 81st minute, following a corner kick delivered by Bouanga, the ball fell to Ordaz in a crowded penalty area. With composure beyond his years, the substitute rifled a thunderous half-volley into the upper corner, leaving Schulte helpless once again and extending LAFC’s lead to 3-0.
The goal was a dagger to Columbus’ hopes of mounting a comeback in the first leg, and it capped a near-perfect night for LAFC. Ordaz’s strike not only showcased the depth of the Black & Gold’s squad but also served as a testament to the club’s investment in its youth pipeline.
Defensive Mastery and a Commanding Lead
While the attacking trio of Bouanga and Ordaz stole the headlines, LAFC’s defensive solidity was equally impressive. Hugo Lloris, the veteran French goalkeeper, secured his fourth consecutive clean sheet of the season, facing minimal threats from a Columbus side that managed just one shot on target. The backline, marshaled with precision, neutralized the Crew’s typically potent attack, leaving stars like Diego Rossi and Dylan Chambost with little room to operate.
For Columbus, the defeat marks a rare off-night for a team known for its relentless work rate and tactical discipline. Facing a three-goal deficit, the Crew will need a monumental effort in the return leg at Lower.com Field on March 11 to keep their Concacaf Champions Cup dreams alive.
Looking Ahead
With this 3-0 victory, LAFC has firmly positioned itself as the favorite to advance to the quarterfinals, where a potential matchup with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami or Jamaica’s Cavalier FC awaits. For Steve Cherundolo’s men, the win is a statement of intent—not just in this competition, but in their ongoing rivalry with Columbus. After falling short in their last three encounters with the Crew, this result offers a psychological boost and a chance to reclaim supremacy.
As the final whistle blew, the BMO Stadium faithful roared in approval, celebrating a performance that blended flair, resilience, and clinical finishing. For Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz, and the rest of the LAFC squad, the job is only half done—but they’ve laid a formidable foundation for success in this two-legged tie. The road to the Concacaf Champions Cup title is long, but on this night, LAFC looked every bit the part of a contender.
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