MNUFC’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane has been included in Team of the Matchday 33 following his two-goal performance against the LA Galaxy. Despite the loss, Bongi’s impact on the game was clear to see, earning him the nod for his fifth appearance on a TOTM in the 2023 season. 

With two more goals added to his tally, Bongi brought his scoring total in MLS play up to eight goals and 17 across all competitions in the 2023 season. The South African winger has taken quite the step up in his second year with the club, adding a finishing touch to his game that has put the entire league on notice. Paired with his tireless work rate and willingness to help defend, Bongi has turned into one of Major League Soccer’s most exciting attacking players this season, and he’s only going to get better. 

Hlongwane is now at 11 total goal contributions in MLS play, leading the team in goals scored and second on the team in assists, with 3. He’s played over 2,000 minutes for the Loons this season, starting 25 times and registering an impressive 75 scoring attempts so far. Congratulations, Bongi, on yet another deserved appearance on the TOTM!

Full Team of the Matchday for Week 33:

F: Cucho Hernández (CLB), Billy Sharp (LA), Jesús Ferreira (DAL)

M: Robert Taylor (MIA), Héctor Herrera (HOU), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (MIN)

D: Álvaro Barreal (CIN), Jack Maher (NSH), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)

GK: Roman Bürki (STL)

Coach: Ben Olsen (HOU)

Bench: Maarten Paes (DAL), Sergi Palencia (LAFC), João Paulo (SEA), Christian Paredes (POR), Gabriel Pirani (DC), Riqui Puig (LA), Quinn Sullivan (PHI), Facundo Farías (MIA), Talles Magno (NYC)