MATCH RECAP
BOUANGA MASTERCLASS lafc 3-0 COLOMBUS CREW
BY JUAN HERNANDEZ MAR 5, 2025
Dennis Bouanga first goal. Photography: @lafc
LAFC DEFEAT COLOMBUS CREW 3-0 IN CHAMPIONS CUP FIRST LEG
LAFC Dominates Columbus Crew 3-0 in Concacaf Champions Cup First Leg
In a dominant performance, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 4, 2025, at BMO Stadium. The win puts LAFC in a strong position as they head into the return leg, with their eyes set on advancing to the quarterfinals to either facing Miami or Cavaliers FC.
LAFC STARTING XI. Photography: @lafc
A Stellar Performance from Denis Bouanga
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who scored two crucial goals to give his team a commanding lead. Bouanga's first goal came in the 20th minute, when he found space in the box to finish a well-placed pass and put LAFC ahead 1-0. His second strike came just after halftime in the 48th minute, as he coolly slotted home a close-range shot to double the advantage. Bouanga’s performance showcased his clinical finishing and ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage.
Dennis Bouanga first goal. Photography: @lafc
Nathan Ordaz Seals the Victory
With Columbus Crew struggling to break down LAFC’s defense, young forward Nathan Ordaz sealed the win in the 89th minute. Ordaz, who had been an energetic presence throughout the match, converted a corner kick delivered by Bouanga, marking his first-ever goal in the Champions Cup. The strike capped off an impressive performance from the LAFC attack, providing them with a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the second leg.
Nathan Ordaz celebration. Photography: @lafc
Columbus Crew's Struggles
Columbus Crew, despite showing flashes of quality, could not convert their chances. They had a few good moments in the first half, but were unable to break down LAFC’s defense, with goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau making crucial saves when needed. The Crew’s inability to find the back of the net leaves them with a significant mountain to climb in the second leg, as they will need at least three goals to force extra time and four to secure a win.
Igor Jesus protecting ball. Photography: @lafc
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With a 3-0 advantage, LAFC is in a commanding position as they head to Columbus for the second leg on March 11, 2025. Columbus Crew will need to produce a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit, but LAFC will look to build on their momentum and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
For LAFC, this win is an excellent start to their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign, showcasing their attacking depth, defensive resilience, and match-winning ability. Columbus, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle, but if their attacking unit can find form, there’s still hope for a dramatic comeback.
As the second leg approaches, all eyes will be on Columbus, where they will look to put together a heroic performance to keep their Champions Cup dreams alive.