Denis Bouanga scores MLS-leading 20th goal in LAFC draw with Vancouver
VANCOUVER, Canada — Denis Bouanga scored his league-leading 20th goal of the season for LAFC, but Ali Ahmed answered in the second half for Vancouver as the defending champions and the Whitecaps played to a 1-1 draw in a regular-season finale Saturday night.
Bouanga, who entered the final day of the season with a two-goal lead, wrapped up the Golden Boot Award when he took a pass from Ilie Sánchez in the 34th minute and scored to give LAFC (14-10-10) the lead.
Angel City proved it can compete with NWSL’s best despite a 1-0 loss in NWSL quarterfinals. Upgrading its offense and fortifying its roster come next.
Defender Ali Ahmed pulled Vancouver (12-10-12) even in the 58th minute, using an assist from Richie Laryea to score his second career goal. Ahmed has made 12 starts and 24 appearances over the last two seasons for the Whitecaps.
Maxime Crépeau totaled two saves in his seventh start of the season for LAFC. Yohei Takaoka saved six shots for Vancouver.
LAFC already clinched a top-four seed in the West. Vancouver already earned a spot in the playoffs but could have moved into the top four with a win and some help.
LAFC saw its first two-match win streak since June end, while the Whitecaps had a two-match win streak against LAFC end.
