The MLS community was heartbroken to learn of the passing of ex-FC Cincinnati<\/a> forward Aaron Boupendza on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Boupendza spent the better part of two seasons in MLS, and his tragic loss<\/a> was felt hard at his former club.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts are with his family, supporters and loved ones in a very difficult time,” Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said this week.<\/p>\n “We mourn like everybody else. This is a tough time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Chicago Fire FC<\/a> held a moment of silence<\/a> ahead of Saturday’s Matchday 9 fixture against Cincy at Soldier Field, where Orange & Blue players honored their former teammate<\/a> before kickoff.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n FC Cincinnati forward K\u00e9vin Denkey<\/a> also paid tribute following his goal in the 42nd minute of their eventual 3-2 win<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n From one #9 to another. ???????? pic.twitter.com\/REGZh9nze7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) April 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Denis Bouanga<\/a>, Boupendza\u2019s Gabonese international teammate, also wore a message under his shirt reading “R.I.P. Aaron Boupendza.”<\/p>\n Bouanga scored a penalty kick in the 90th minute of LAFC<\/a>\u2019s 3-3 draw<\/a> in Portland<\/a> before revealing the tribute to honor his friend.<\/p>\n “It was tragic for his family, for Gabon, for myself. He was a friend,” Bouanga told reporters. “I had prepared that celebration.<\/p>\n “It was very important for me to celebrate for his family, for Gabon, for myself.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n