LAFC’s Late Season Surge. Will It Be Enough? | OneFootball

In their past two matches after the International Break, LAFC have been an unstoppable force.

Dominating Play

First, they brushed aside the San Jose Earthquakes 4 – 2 before 51,000 spectators in Levi’s Stadium. Son Heung-Min scored in the first minute, with Denis Bouanga adding two more before the twelfth minute. Quakes would strike back, but the damage was done. Bouanga would complete his hat trick a few moments before full time.

Four days later they would inflict the same damage upon Real Salt Lake, and in eerily similar circumstances. Son would once again score in the opening moments; Denis Bouanga would hit the fourth goal just before time. In between, it was Son who registered the hat trick. Bouanga’s goal was his 19th of the season and his 94th for the club, surpassing Carlos Vela’s long-standing record. In addition to Son and Bouanga, LAFC wing backs Sergi Palencia and Artem Smoliakov, plus Ryan Hollingshead and Timothy Tillman, have all had outstanding contributions.

The Playoff Picture

LAFC have six games remaining, and their place in the playoffs looks secure even if mathematically they have not clinched. There’s even a scenario where LAFC can top the Western Conference. They would have to win out their games, earning at best 65 points. They would also need help. Specifically, San Diego FC would need to lose two (four remaining), Minnesota one (four remaining) and Vancouver three (six remaining). It’s unlikely to happen, but quite realistic is a new record for Denis Bouanga. With one more goal, he will become the first player in MLS history to register 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons.

Upcoming

LAFC’s push to make history starts Saturday when they host Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium. Beating the same team twice consecutively is tough, but if they do it their remaining fixtures aren’t too bad. They host 26th place Atlanta and 25th place Toronto, then finish on the road against 16th place Austin and 18th place Colorado.