Denis Bouanga scored a hat-trick and provided an assist as Los Angeles FC moved into the Leagues Cup quarter-finals with a 7-1 win over Mexican side Juarez in the Round of 16 in the early hours of Thursday morning, bringing him closer to Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.
The reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup champions had the privilege of a bye to the knockout phase and where off the blocks at the BMO Stadium when Ryan Hollingshead gave LAFC the lead in the 31st minute. It did not take too long for the lead to be extended with Mexico veteran Carlos Vela making it 2-0 two minutes later.
The second half was the Bouanga show as the Gabon international found the back of the net in the 52nd, 66th and 78th minutes while also assisting 18-year-old Salvadoran Nathan Ordaz for the final and seventh LAFC goal in the 90th minute.
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 3, 2023
Former Arsenal man Vela scored LAFC’s fourth goal to complete his brace while Amaury Escoto scored the sole consolation goal for Juarez.
Bouanga’s hat-trick puts him one goal behind South Africa and Minnesota United forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane and two behind Leagues Cup joint-top scorer Lionel Messi who netted a brace in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over fellow MLS and Florida side Orlando City.
⚽⚽⚽ With a hat trick for @LAFC @BouangaDenis is our Man of the Match presented by GEICO ????#LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/pmeT18dOaU
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 3, 2023
The Leagues Cup is a mid-season tournament between all MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs. The competition offers qualification berths into the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the finalists and third-placed team, with the Leagues Cup winner getting a bye into the Champions Cup round of 16.
