Denis Bouanga back on track as LAFC visit Rapids

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th March, 15:46 2024

Mar 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (99) celebrates his goal against Nashville SC during the first half at BMO Stadium. credits: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles FC will try to earn their first points away from home this season on Saturday in Commerce City, Colo., when they visit a Colorado Rapids side still stinging from a home defeat last weekend.

LAFC (2-2-1, 7 points) halted a 314-minute scoreless streak last weekend in style in a 5-0 home victory over Nashville SC.

Reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga scored his first two goals of the new season, and his teammates added on in the second half after Nashville was reduced to 10 men following goalkeeper Joe Willis' handball outside the penalty area.

"It was a much-needed improved performance," LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo said. "I think we met a team that didn't have their best day, but I thought our performance and our objectives first and foremost were all achieved."

But the Black and Gold have lost both their away matches to start the season, after they also struggled in their travels in 2023. Cherundolo's squad won only four regular-season road matches last year, yet still finished third in the Western Conference.

The Rapids (1-2-2, 5 points) are still searching for their first home victory under new manager Chris Armas after a 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dynamo last Saturday that was decided by Brad Smith's counter-attack goal deep into second-half stoppage time.

"In front of our home fans, we left a little on the table this last game," Armas said. "We want to reward them with the points and the players to reward themselves for a lot of hard work and quite honestly for some good stuff that's going on."

Armas has gained some early credibility by leading his side to a 2-1 away victory over Real Salt Lake on March 9 to halt a six-match winless run against the Rapids' historic rivals.

But the attacking problems at home under previous manager Robin Fraser have persisted, with the Rapids registering only five shots on target through 180 minutes in front of their fans.

Their only home goal came via an own-goal scored off defender Shaq Moore in a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC. Cole Bassett, Rafael Navarro, Calvin Harris and Kevin Cabral each have scored once away from home.

—Field Level Media

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