LAFC ahead Dénis Bouanga captured the 2023 MLS Golden Boot, as his goal-frenzy within the final three video games of the common season sealed his place on the high of the scoring charts.
Bouanga impressed since stepping foot in MLS, amassing a staggering 36 targets and 15 assists in 53 appearances throughout all competitions for the Black and Gold. More particularly, the 28-year-old has been on a tear this season, scoring 20 targets in 34 appearances to assert the crown because the league’s high objective scorer.
The Gabon worldwide’s 2023 marketing campaign could not have began any higher, scoring three targets and two assists in his 4 league appearances. But what actually helped him safe the award was his end-of-the-season kind.
Bouanga made positive that the top-scoring award was coming residence after netting a first-half hat trick in opposition to Minnesota United, a brace vs Austin FC (each have been wins for LAFC), and his workforce’s lone objective in a 1-1 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps on Decision Day in Matchday 38.
The Golden Boot race got here right down to the wire, as Bouanga last-minute flurry of targets beat MVP frontrunner Lucho Acosta and Giorgos Giakoumakis to the trophy, as each gamers completed their seasons on 17 targets every.
While Acosta is the favourite to take residence the MVP award, Bouanga should not be dismissed simply. Acosta has contributed 14 assists to associate with 17 targets (31 G/A), however Bouanga has tallied seven assists of his personal to convey his objective involvements to 27 in 2023. There’s an argument to be made about how important Bouanga is for LAFC like Acosta is for FC Cincinnati.
The 2022 MLS Cup champions look like hitting their stride on the proper time, as two wins and a draw of their closing three video games of the common season sees them end in third place within the Western Conference desk with 52 factors. The third place end units them up for a best-of-three playoffs collection conflict with the Whitecaps, with recreation one set for October 1 at BMO Stadium.
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