The 2023 MLS Cup finalists have now racked up six consecutive wins in all competitions and will soon add another World Cup winner to the roster.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: May 30th, 2024 10:52 EDT0
Kirby LeeUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
LAFC’s bid to clinch back-to-back MLS Cup titles fell just short last year, losing to Columbus Crew in the final. Steve Cherundolo’s side lost club icon Carlos Vela over the off-season but they once again look set to mount a serious post-season challenge.
On Wednesday evening LAFC beat high-flying Minnesota United 2-0 at BMO Stadium, extending their winning run to six games. With that latest victory goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has now gone 485 minutes without conceding a goal, setting a club record.
Speaking after the Minnesota victory, Cherundolo paid tribute to his side’s historic defensive record: “It’s always a collective. It’s making good decisions with the ball when you’re moving forward.”
“There’s still room for improvement, but I was very happy and pleased tonight with the performance. It was professional. It was controlled. At no point in the game did I fear us losing nor did I see Minnesota being dangerous. It was how you need to play at home against a very good team.”
Bangerz Only 💥Your future @MLS Goal of the Week from Mateusz Bogusz 🚀#LAFCvMIN 2-0 pic.twitter.com/TGkbgUGfUV
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 30, 2024
When will Olivier Giroud join up with LAFC?
Lloris wasn’t the only LAFC player to reach a significant milestone on Wednesday evening. Denis Bouanga, the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner, scored the 50th goal of his LAFC career with a first half penalty. Vela and Diego Rossi are the only two other players to have reached a half-century for the Black and Gold.
After a slow start to the year Bouanga is returning to his 2023 performance level and will benefit from LAFC’s big summer signing. French World Cup winner Olivier Giroud will arrive from AC Milan after representing his nation at the European Championships. The veteran striker will provide a crucial focal point for the LAFC attack and his game intelligence will help to unlock Bouanga’s searing pace.
