Denis Bouanga lifts LAFC past Whitecaps in CCL quarters first leg

Denis Bouanga had two goals and an assist during a 10-minute span in the second half, giving Los Angeles FC a 3-0 win over the host Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series.

The second game of the total-goal series will be played Tuesday in Los Angeles.

A spectacular, 30-yard shot from Bouanga went over the head of Whitecaps goalie Yohei Takaoka in the 55th minute to break a scoreless tie.

In the 61st minute, Bouanga stole the ball at the top of the Vancouver penalty box, and the ball went to Kwadwo Opoku, who rounded the goalie and rolled in a 10-yard shot.

Four minutes later, Bouanga made space for himself in the penalty area with a behind-the-back cutback, then fired in a left-footed shot to cap his big night.