MLS players pay tribute to Aaron Boupendza | OneFootball

By Justin Horneker

The MLS community was heartbroken to learn of the passing of ex-FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza on Wednesday.

Boupendza spent the better part of two seasons in MLS, and his tragic loss was felt hard at his former club.

“Our thoughts are with his family, supporters and loved ones in a very difficult time," Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said this week.

"We mourn like everybody else. This is a tough time.”

Chicago Fire FC held a moment of silence ahead of Saturday's Matchday 9 fixture against Cincy at Soldier Field, where Orange & Blue players honored their former teammate before kickoff.

FC Cincinnati forward Kévin Denkey also paid tribute following his goal in the 42nd minute of their eventual 3-2 win.

Denis Bouanga, Boupendza’s Gabonese international teammate, also wore a message under his shirt reading "R.I.P. Aaron Boupendza."

Bouanga scored a penalty kick in the 90th minute of LAFC’s 3-3 draw in Portland before revealing the tribute to honor his friend.

"It was tragic for his family, for Gabon, for myself. He was a friend," Bouanga told reporters. "I had prepared that celebration.

"It was very important for me to celebrate for his family, for Gabon, for myself."