Los Angeles FC attacker Denis Bouanga, left, passes the ball over Sporting Kansas City defender Jake Davis during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Teenage rookie David Martínez scored early, Denis Bouanga had two assists, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris earned his league-leading 14th clean sheet of the season as Los Angeles FC breezed to a 3-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.
Martínez took a pass from Denis Bouanga in the 14th minute and scored for the fourth time this season to give LAFC (17-8-7) the lead for good. Martínez was making his third start and 15th appearance.
Cristian Olivera found the net for the sixth time, scoring in the first minute of stoppage time to give LAFC a two-goal advantage at halftime. Bouanga notched his career-high 11th assist of the campaign on the goal and Timothy Tillman added his career-best sixth.
Defender Aaron Long found the net in the 69th minute to complete the scoring. It was Long’s first goal since he scored four for the New York Red Bulls in 2022. Fellow defender Eddie Segura snagged his first assist this season and his first since he had two for the club in 2021.
Hugo Lloris totaled four saves in his shutout effort for LAFC.
Sporting Kansas City attacker Johnny Russell reacts after missing a goal attempt during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tim Melia saved one shot for Sporting KC (8-18-7).
LAFC will travel to play the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday before hosting the San Jose Earthquakes for a Decision Day match on Oct. 19 to close out the regular season.
Sporting KC will end its season with a road match against FC Dallas on Oct. 19.
Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, left, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud (9) battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, left, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud (9) battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, left, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud (9) battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Zorhan Bassong, left, and Los Angeles FC midfielder Lewis O’Brien (8) battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker David Martínez (30) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker David Martínez (30) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker Cristian Olivera (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker Cristian Olivera (13) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker David Martínez, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Los Angeles FC attacker David Martínez, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, back, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, back, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City defender Joaquin Fernandez, back, and Los Angeles FC attacker Olivier Giroud battle for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Sporting Kansas City attacker Stephen Afrifa (30) and Los Angeles FC defender Maxime Chanot (25) chase after the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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