Denis Bouanga breaks out of rut at the perfect time for LAFC | OneFootball

By Ben Wright

"I felt free."

Denis Bouanga opened his 2025 MLS scoring account on Saturday, grabbing a late goal that was the difference-maker in LAFC's 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Although he'd scored three times during the Black & Gold's run to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, Bouanga had yet to find the back of the net heading into Matchday 8, while going goalless in his previous five matches across all competitions.

"It's always complicated to score the first goal," Bouanga said via a translator after the match. "I missed [another] opportunity. Now that I scored that goal, it should be okay. Other goals are going to come."

Bounceback result

Still reeling from their heartbreaking CCC elimination at the hands of Inter Miami midweek while riding a two-game league losing streak, Steve Cherundolo & Co. needed a positive result on Saturday.

"It was a difficult week for us. Winning today was really important," the manager said. "I was also happy with the performance. Having only two days to rest and some travel, only one training session yesterday and to play in a different system - it's not easy to do.

"Compliments to the guys for applying those things they learned... I was very happy with the majority of the game."

Bouanga breakthrough

Bouanga's 86th-minute goal, which followed Sergi Palencia's stunning opener earlier in the second half, was especially pleasing to Cherundolo.

"It's part of every finishing drill. When you finish, you don't shoot and stop; you always see if there's a rebound," he said. "We basically tell our attackers... there is an opportunity to score, no matter if it's unrealistic or easy, always score.

"Get used to and make it a habit of following the ball, following your shots, and finishing every play possible."

Off the mark in MLS for the season, Bouanga wasn't satisfied with the performance. Despite the win and the goal, he thought he should have done better.

"I felt that I should have scored two," he laughed after the match. "Hopefully this goal will bring many more."

HIGHLIGHTS: Los Angeles Football Club vs. San Jose Earthquakes | April 12, 2025