LAFC scores early in an impressive win against MLS powerhouse Seattle Sounders

LAFC #19 Mateusz Bogusz (Midfielder) score the only goal of the game against the Seattle Sounders. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

LOS ANGELES, CA – In a highly anticipated matchup of MLS titans, LAFC scored their second-fastest goal in team history by beating the Seattle Sounders 1-0 at BMO Stadium on Thursday night.

Mateusz Bogusz scored the only goal 54 seconds into the match. The win vaulted LAFC to the top of the Western Conference standings for the first time this season.

"We're really happy with three points," said LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo. "The priorities tonight were to win, and the guys got that right. The tactical discipline and the awareness are back."

The Sounders were coming off an 11-day rest since their last game, and the rust showed immediately. Bogusz initiated a lightning-fast give-and-go at the midfield with Mahala Opoku, with Bogusz bending a strike from nearly 30 yards out, beating the outstretched fingertips of Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

It was just the second goal of the season for the 21-year-old LAFC rookie who made the most of his early opportunity to catch the Seattle defense napping,

"It was very nice because the game opened quickly, we won 1-0, and I had the goal, it gives me confidence," said Bogusz.

In the 21st minute, Sounders Raul Ruidiaz had a strike on goal, but LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy had a huge save stopping the Seattle drive.

Later Opoku was given the first yellow card of the match in the 35th minute as the LAFC faithful sounded their displeasure booing thunderously throughout the stadium.

In the second half, Bogusz served a set piece from 40 yards out, and Jose Cifuentes was able to head in for what seemed to be the LAFC's second goal of the match, giving them a 2-0 lead. However, as the celebrations died down, after nearly three minutes of replay reviews, the goal was disallowed after it showed the ball hitting Cifuentes's hand after the ricochet off his head.

LAFC fans were disappointed and let their thoughts known loudly, but Cifuentes did not disagree with the call. Not a surprise as he did not celebrate initially when the goal was scored, an indication he knew it was a handball.

Still, it was a beautiful free kick by Bogusz, whose role with the team seems to be growing.

"When I play, I always take the free kick on other teams I've played with as well," said Bogusz. "But we keep working on that every day."

Bogusz continued his attack in the 86th minute, taking another shot at goal, but it missed the mark, but however, his one goal that was true earlier in the match was all LAFC needed as they held on for the win in stoppage time.

McCarthy had six saves for LAFC on the defensive side of the ball and was his fifth clean sheet of the season.

Sitting atop the Western Conference and coming off a CONCACAF Champions League final, the defending MLS Champs are clicking on all cylinders and look to make it a three-game win streak when they take on the Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday at BMO Stadium.