Why Bongokuhle Hlongwane has struggled to score in MLS this season

SA star Bongokuhle Hlongwane has opened up about his goal-scoring struggles at Major League Soccer [MSL] outfit Minnesota United this season.

Hlongwane became an indispensable asset for Minnesota United, and his impressive statistics last campaign were compelling enough to earn him a contract extension.

Last season, he made 34 appearances for the Loons with 23 starts to his name. In addition, he made 15-goal contributions, thus 11 goals and four assists under his belt.

However this season, he has only managed one assist in the eight games that have been played. The former Maritzburg United [now Durban City FC] forward has played in every game so far, as Minnesota United are second in the MLS Western Conference.

They have 15 points in eight games. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old continues to show his versatility, as he has successfully featured on the right wing, at centre forward, on the left wing and in defence.

WHAT BAFANA BAFANA STAR HLONGWANE SAID

This season, he has played as a wing-back. In an interview with FARPost, Hlongwane admitted that the positional change has minimised his chances of scoring regularly.

“Yes, I haven’t scored this season, but I’ve played all the games for the team. My work rate remains the same, and my effort even in training remains the same,” said Hlongwane.

“But the difference right now is the fact that I have been playing more as a wing-back. It’s different from last season, when I played in front of goal.

“That time, I had more chances at goal and I managed to convert some of them. So right now it is different because I am playing as a wing-back.

However, I am working hard to ensure that the chances that I get are in the net. We are mainly playing the 5-3-2 because that is what the coach wants.

“I am adjusting, but obviously it’s different from the previous seasons. As a player, I keep on working hard and hopeful that one goal will open up a lot more.”

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