Denis Buanga scored five goals in two games as the reigning MLS Cup winners LAFC maintained their perfect start to the 2023 season with a 4-0 home win over New England on Sunday.
LAFC extended to two wins in two games, with Buanga scoring a penalty in the 14th minute and then doubling his lead midway through the second half at Banc of California Stadium. Timothy Tillman and Stipe Bueck added late goals to seal the win.
The result ends a 2-0-1 winning start to Revs’ new campaign as they look to bounce back after missing last year’s playoffs.
Gabonese winger Bouanga, who joined LAFC in August from French club Saint-Étienne, scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 Champions League win against Alajuelense midweek.
Buanga fired a shot down the middle to open the scoring, before going around offside to score a 2–0 win in the 67th minute.
Tillman stripped Latif Blessing and charged into the box to shoot third in the 83rd minute, with Buanga playing his part and Biuk adding fourth in the 96th minute.
Buanga. Clap.
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 13, 2023