SEATTLE-- LAFC enter the MLS summer break in second place in the Western Conference after a 3-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday at Lumen Field.
"At this point in the season, you can start to look at the table," LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. "Maintaining and keeping pace with the teams at the top of the table is very important.
Cherundolo said there is importance in leaving on a high note as league play takes a month-long summer break while the All-Star Game and Leagues Cup take place.
The result also halted their winless streak at two and featured goals from the steadfast duo of Denís Bouanga who netted two goals, and Mateusz Bogusz who scored his thirteenth regular season goal.
Dagger 🗡️
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 21, 2024
Denis Bouanga scores to make it 3⃣#SEAvLAFC 0-3 pic.twitter.com/21wGCIZWGh
Hugo Lloris made four saves for LAFC. It was the ninth shutout of the season for Lloris, tying him for the league lead.
LAFC scored first after a chaotic scene in the penalty area culminated in a handball by Sounders defender Nouhou Tolo. Bouanga scored in the penalty kick that followed in the 16th minute.
Bogusz then scored an unassisted second for LAFC in the 26th minute for his 13th goal of the season on a rebound from a set piece.
OH MY BOGUSZ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AzeglyFsYQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 21, 2024
Bouanga struck again in the second half when he sprinted on a perfect assist from Kei Kamara in the midfield. He beat two Seattle defenders as he sent the ball into the net past a stunned Stefen Frei for the third unanswered goal from the visitors.
LAFC defeated Seattle 1-0 in a Western Conference semifinals last season on a first-half goal by Bouanga for its first win in Seattle since its debut season in 2018. LAFC posted a 2-1 win at home over the Sounders in this season's opening match.
LAFC will next play at home Friday night against Liga MX side Club Tijuana in their Leagues Cup opening match.