A French duo starred for LAFC in a 2-nil win over Austin FC as the Leagues Cup Round of 32 kicked off on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Hugo Lloris connected with Denis Bouanga for an 11th minute goal that ended as the match-winner.
“We were hoping to gain that this year with him,” said LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo on Lloris as an outlet. “We have gotten that and it does help us bypass some pressure moments and kind of jumpstart our offense, which is imperative because it's an area that we are struggling and we're actively working on, but we have been struggling with that of late.
“Having Hugo, and primarily his decision making, what paths to make, helps our players a lot and helps our offensive game,” added Cherundolo.
LAFC’s star summer signing Olivier Giroud looked on from a suite alongside club owner Will Ferrell, as the former Premier League striker awaits his debut with the club – which could come in the latter stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, with its survival on the line, Austin FC became the more offensive team for the remainder of the match.
Alex Ring struck inside the box in the 17th minute but couldn’t find the target.
Sebastián Driussi had an attempt from outside the box in the 20th minute but couldn’t place it below the crossbar.
Owen Wolff nearly tied in spectacular fashion in the 32nd minute, hitting the ball with the outside of his foot inside the penalty area to force a save from Lloris.
Bouanga attempted to score from midfield in the 40th minute as he tested Brad Stuver from long distance.
When Driussi finally seemed to have broken through in the 49th minute, Osman Bukari was called offside in what summed up the frustrating night Austin had getting organized in attack.
Cristian Olivera came on as a substitute at halftime and extended the lead in the 61st minute, despite an attempted block from Guilherme Biro.
Diego Rubio had one last look for the Texas club in stoppage time but the header loomed away from the goal as Austin bowed out of the tournament.
“More ruthless, more hunger, more quality,” said Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff on the difference between the clubs. “In many regards in front of goal and I think these are the things that separate the very good teams and the middle of the table teams.”
LAFC moves on to the Round of 16 for the second consecutive year where they await the winner of San Jose Earthquakes and Club Necaxa on August 13.
