There was plenty to digest from LAFC’s 1-0 triumph over Atlanta United in what was one of the most entertaining and dramatic Major League Soccer matches of the 2024 season.
Two of the biggest clubs in all of MLS went head-to-head inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a match that would end up with both teams playing with 10 players. However, the first half didn’t quite live up to the bill outside of a few chances missed from both sides.
That all changed in the second 45. LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz was through on goal, looking to drive past former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Guzan came spring off his line with an attempt at a headed clearance that immediately bounced off Bogusz’s face with the ball rolling out of play for an Atlanta goal kick.
But the Five Stripes were unable to restart play after a VAR review from referee Sergii Boiko showed that Guzan intentionally brought down Bogusz with his right leg after his attempted clearance — which meant he denied a goalscoring opportunity and thus was sent off in the 60th minute.
Bogusz then stepped up to take the free kick that was just outside Atlanta’s penalty area, and the Polish international found the back of the net with a little help from a deflection off Bartosz Slisz’s head. Backup goalkeeper Josh Cohen got a fingertip to the strike but wasn’t able to keep it out.
Even though Eduard Atuesta was shown a yellow card late on, the Black and Gold still held on for all three points in a dramatic final 10 minutes of regulation.
Here’s three main takeaways from LAFC’s road victory over Atlanta United.
It wasn’t pretty, but LAFC still got the job done away from home against Atlanta — a true mark of a contender. The Black and Gold defense stood tall behind stellar play from back three pairing of Jesus Murillo, Maxime Chanot and Aaron Long. Longtime Tottenham goalkeeper played his part, too, with five saves from .94 xG faced.
The win was LAFC’s third-straight in league play and one that could instill even more confidence in a talented side that’s struggled to gain momentum this season. Despite all the noise surrounding the team in the beginning of 2024, LAFC now find themselves in third place in the Western Conference with 24 points collected.
Atlanta may have one of the more talented rosters in all of MLS but that doesn’t hide the fact that the Five Stripes have been abysmal outside of the first few matches of the regular season. Yes, they’ve had injury problems with key players like Giorgos Giakouamakis and Stian Gregersen, but going nine matches without a win is inexcusable for any team in all of the sport.
After Guzan was sent off, Atlanta began to play with real intent and played some of the best ball we’ve seen from them in a while. If only they had played like that in previous matches, maybe they wouldn’t be sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 13 points. Maybe it was because their backs were against the wall and they knew they couldn’t shy away from the pressure in front of their supporters. Maybe it was because LAFC tend to rely on counter-attacks to win matches with the pace of Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera.
As for Gonzalo Pineda, his seat continues to get warmer and warmer. Pineda was part of history after the match, in that Atlanta suffered their fourth defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — which is tied for the most in team history after just eight home matches. Don’t be surprised to see Pineda dismissed from his job in the near future as this Atlanta squad is far too talented to be outside of a playoff spot with a trip to Miami during the middle of the week.
Reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga had a few half-chances here and there and a couple of nice moments on the ball, but he didn’t have a massive impact on the match. Sure, he may have drawn more attention due to his elite finishing and electric pace, but he was unable to add to his eight MLS goals scored this season due to the Norwegian wall that is Stian Gregersen.
Wherever Bouanga went, Gregersen was right there with him every step of the way. The former Bordeaux player didn’t allow Bouanga to cut inside to get a shot off his favored right foot and wasn’t dribbled past. Gregersen also won all four of his ground duels, made seven recoveries, six clearances and three blocks.
Even though it was defeat for Atlanta, they can walk away from the match knowing they have one of the best defenders in the league under contract through the 2027 MLS season.
