Denis Bouanga helps LAFC top FC Cincinnati to earn playoff berth

Denis Bouanga's second-half goal led Los Angeles FC to a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday night, securing an MLS Cup playoff berth for the Black and Gold.

David Martinez had the other goal for LAFC (15-8-7, 52 points), which won in MLS play for the first time since a 3-0 victory in Seattle on July 20. The win snapped a stretch of five matches without a victory.

Luca Orellano had the lone goal for Cincinnati (17-9-5, 56 points), which saw its unbeaten streak halted at four (2-0-2).

Bouanga gave LAFC a 2-1 lead in the 73rd minute, putting his right-footed strike from a tough angle short-side past keeper Roman Celentano for his 18th goal of the season.

The French forward remains second in the race for the MLS Golden Boot, trailing only Christian Benteke of D.C. United.

Orellano tied the score in the 61st minute. His strike from just outside the area deflected off Kei Kamara and past Hugo Lloris for his 10th goal of the season. With his assist on the goal, Luciano Acosta matched his goal contributions from last season (31).

Martinez opened the scoring for the Black and Gold in the 34th minute, taking Lewis O'Brien's cross and putting a deflected strike past a diving Celentano for his third goal of the season.

LAFC had a couple of strong opportunities early.

In the 14th minute, Celentano punched out Cristian Olivera's left-footed shot from the right side of the box.

Then, four minutes later, Martinez's strike from the left side of the area curled wide right.

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo earned his 50th career regular-season win on Saturday.

Saturday was the third all-time meeting between the two sides. LAFC won both previous matches -- 2-0 in Los Angeles during the 2019 season and 2-1 in Cincinnati in 2022.

--Field Level Media