MLS Golden Boot Race Heats Up | OneFootball

The quest for the MLS Golden Boot just got a little more interesting. From seemingly out of nowhere, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga has pole-vaulted into the top spot, tied with Lionel Messi on 22 scores. If we go back one month, Bouanga was sitting seventh on the list, four goals behind.

Top MLS Goal Scorers Through Sep. 21 (Source: Sofascore)

LAFC’s Spectacular September Partnership

Source: Sofascore

In their past three games, LAFC have scored twelve goals.

More impressive, they’ve earned three hat-tricks. Two of those went to Bouanga in their 4 – 2 win at San Jose and at the 4 – 1 home win Sunday against Real Salt Lake. The third cap went to Son Heung-Min during a mid-week make-up match at Salt Lake that ended, also, 4 – 1.

Since Son joined in mid-August, he’s played in six MLS games, logging 550 minutes. He’s scored six and assisted two; an astonishing contribution every 69 minutes!

In his past four games, Bouanga has scored seven and assisted one in 358 minutes of play. That’s an even more impressive contribution every 45 minutes! Bouanga and Son have accounted for every LAFC goal and two assists in the month of September.

Breathing Down Messi’s Neck

LAFC and Inter Miami both have significant games in hand. Their involvement in the Club World Cup meant mid-season games had to be rescheduled; they’re all being played between now and Decision Day: October 18.

Inter Miami has six games remaining, against NYCFC (away), Toronto (away), Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, Atlanta, Nashville (away). Half of that opposition is soft, and should allow Messi to add more goals to his tally. And don’t be mistaken, Inter Miami REALLY wants Messi to win this prize. The GOAT hadn’t taken a penalty all year, but when given the chance again DC United on Saturday manager Javier Mascherano gave him the go-ahead. Messi missed it. Not only would that have given him a hat trick, but it would have secured a one-goal cushion in the Golden Boot race.

LAFC has five remaining games. Their opponents are: St Louis (away), Atlanta United, Toronto, Austin FC (away), Colorado Rapids. Much like Miami, it’s a soft schedule. And with Bouanga and Son firing, multi-goal games for the Gabonese striker are highly likely.

One For the Record Book

It should be noted that with his hat-trick on Sunday Denis Bouanga became the only player in MLS history to record three consecutive seasons scoring 20 or more goals. This is a record that might be equaled, but will be difficult to surpass. MLS doesn’t tend to hold onto 20+ goal scorers for long. If they’re young they get poached; if their old they tend to lose steam.

Ironically, the one person who stands the best chance to tie Bouanga’s record is the same one he’s competing with for the Boot: Lionel Messi.

All this points to a Decision Day where the Supporter’s Shield, Conference champions AND Golden Boot could all be decided. How magic is that!?