Denis Bouanga led from the front as MLS All-Stars bounced back from recent defeats to beat Liga MX 3-1 in Austin. The LAFC winger’s explosive performance may have been his MLS farewell—but it left a lasting impression.
Major League Soccer’s best answered the call in style at a packed Q2 Stadium, delivering a statement 3-1 win over the Liga MX All-Stars in front of 20,738 fans in Austin. At the heart of it all was LAFC winger Denis Bouanga, who turned in a relentless performance that not only set the tone early but may have been his MLS farewell.
This win felt personal. After suffering heavy defeats in the last two All-Star games—including a 5-0 drubbing by Arsenal in 2023 and a flat loss to Liga MX in 2024—MLS came out with purpose. And from the opening whistle, Bouanga made it clear the home side wasn’t going to be bullied this time.
Bouanga’s Spark Starts It All
The LAFC star was electric. It was his surging run and persistence that carved out the first breakthrough. After his initial effort was denied by Club América goalkeeper Luis Malagón, Bouanga chased down the loose ball and whipped in a pin-point cross to Nashville’s Sam Surridge, who nodded home for 1-0. Bouanga nearly added one himself moments later, forcing yet another save from Malagón.
The winger, heavily linked with a move to Liga MX giants Club América, played like a man with something to prove. If this was his All-Star swan song in MLS, he left no doubt about his quality.
A Second-Half Showcase
The second half brought fresh legs and fresh energy, and the game opened up. Tai Baribo of the Philadelphia Union doubled the lead with a well-timed run and clinical finish, assisted beautifully by Columbus Crew playmaker Diego Rossi.
Liga MX briefly pulled one back through Tijuana teenager Gilberto Mora, who took advantage of a defensive lapse to score unassisted, showing exactly why he’s one of El Tri’s most exciting young talents.
But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Vancouver Whitecaps forward Brian White finished off a flowing move—set up by smart combination play from Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire) and Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes)—to seal a deserved 3-1 victory.
A Night of Redemption and Rivalry
While official MVP honors went to Baribo, Bouanga was arguably the heartbeat of the side. His physicality, pace, and tireless pressing caused problems for Liga MX from the outset—and exposed veteran defender Sergio Ramos, who struggled to deal with the tempo. Ramos, a late arrival to Austin, looked every bit his 39 years on a night where freshness and urgency mattered.
Still, credit to the former Spain international for suiting up when some other stars opted out entirely.
Packed House Despite Messi Absence
Much was made of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba missing the match, with questions swirling around their fitness and availability. But despite that, Q2 Stadium was sold out, proving once again that MLS’s All-Star event can stand on its own when competitive pride and entertainment collide.
As both leagues return to regular season play this weekend, the result won’t change anything in the standings—but it may shift the conversation. MLS not only avenged past results but reminded viewers that its top-end talent, when motivated and unleashed, can deliver on a big stage.
Whether Bouanga stays or goes, this was a night to remember—and one MLS sorely needed.
