Leagues Cup roundup: LAFC, Pumas UNAM advance to Round of 16

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th August, 24:57 2024

Aug 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Dénis Bouanga (99) celebrates his goal against Austin FC during the first half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera scored to lift Los Angeles FC to a 2-0 victory against visiting Austin FC in a knockout-round match of the Leagues Cup on Wednesday.

LAFC will host either Necaxa or the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 after goals in the 11th and 61st minutes.

Hugo Lloris made five saves and assisted the opening score when his goal kick was misplayed by the Austin defense and bounced to Bouanga, who is tied for second in MLS scoring in the regular season with 16 goals in 24 matches. Lloris also made an acrobatic save on Owen Wolff's shot in the 32nd minute to prevent the tying score.

Olivier Giroud, a 2018 World Cup champion and France's men's team all-time leading scorer, did not debut for LAFC after his recent signing but watched from a suite.

Pumas UNAM 2, Whitecaps 0

Cesar Huerta scored and helped set up a second goal, and Julio Gonzalez made five saves to help Pumas dispatch host Vancouver and advance to the Round of 16 to play the Los Angeles Galaxy-Seattle Sounders winner.

Huertas made it 1-0 in the 36th minute off a giveaway. He took a return pass from Piero Quispe before scoring from the middle of the box.

Jorge Ruvalcaba extended the lead in the 57th when a nifty side-footed pass from Huerta found Ruben Duarte on the left. He one-touched the ball to Ruvalcaba in front of the goal.

--Field Level Media

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