LAFC forward Leonardo Flores has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 27 honor after scoring a hat-trick during LAFC2’s victory against Timbers2 on Friday night.
The 20-year-old forward demonstrated his scoring ability by converting two penalties, one in each half of the match, and knocking in a well placed header in the 61st minute.
Flores' scoring has provided the much-needed spark to Enrique Duran's frontline, leading LAFC2 to secure their sixth victory of the season. Since his arrival to the squad, the young forward has found the back of the net six times in just nine games, boosting LAFC2’s offense considerably.
LAFC2 acquired Leonardo Flores on a 12-month loan from Liga MX side Club Tigres on July 16, 2023. The Monterrey, Nuevo Leon native made 29 appearances for the Tigres youth ranks, notching seven goals. Flores made his professional debut in LigaMX for Club Tigres in a clash against Atlas on April 30, 2022.
During the 2022-23 Apertura season, Flores joined Club Pachuca on a season-long loan where he made 14 starts for the senior team, registering six goals in over 1,000 minutes of action.
Most recently, Flores showcased his talents on the international stage as part of the Mexico U-20 squad that traveled to South America in early September. The Mexico U-20 squad faced the youth sides of teams such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, Argentinos Juniors, and Independiente, where Flores managed to score three goals in four games.
Flores and LAFC2 will have a chance to make one last impression before season’s end when they face off against Earthquakes II during Matchday 28 action. You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
