LAFC towered over Minnesota United's defense with five answered goals after conceding first to earn a 5-1 victory, as Denis Bouanga's first-half hat trick propelled the Black and Gold into the playoffs.
It was always a matter of when, not if, LAFC would qualify for the playoffs. The Black and Gold have set an incredibly high bar for expansion sides, as they've only missed out on the playoffs just once -- back in 2021.
In their dominant run, LAFC have finished in first place in the Western Conference standings twice: in 2019 when setting a single season MLS points record with 72, only for it to be beaten by New England Revolution in 2021 and 2022.
This time, Bouanga's 17 goals inspired the 2022 MLS Cup champions to third place in the Western Conference table and a promiment place in the postseason. The three goals scored by the Gabon international against Minnesota brings his tally up to 18 goals and 6 assists in 36 appearances for LAFC.
While the Black and Gold unleashed five goals on the Minnesota defense, their own backline has kept things in check in their last five MLS contests, conceding just three goals during that span. LAFC have the fifth-best defense in MLS as they've conceded only 36 goals in 32 games played in 2023.
"I mean, our ideas [on] how to defend are very clear. And, defending, as opposed to coaching the offensive side of the game is a lot of black-white, more rules and less gray [area]," LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said after the game.
"And the offensive side can be a little gray and messy at times, but that's where the creativity of players comes in... But defenders have to live by rules and more discipline [when] you play as a defender.
"... And no matter who we pair, also in the outside back position (full-back), our three outside backs have rotated very well. They follow the rules and are quite effective, and, yeah, our defensive play has been pretty good. The only concerning thing is it seems every time there is a chance, it goes in. Some of the goals [conceded] are a bit flukey, so not concerned too much because the chances are very few."
Cherundolo will look to lean on his impressive defense and potent offense in his team's defense of their 2022 MLS Cup championship. LAFC are back in action on October 7 when they travel to Q2 Stadium to take on Austin FC.
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This article was originally published on 90min as LAFC clinch playoff spot following 5-1 triumph over Minnesota United .
