LAFC EDGES ATLANTA 1-0 ON FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT

Los Angeles FC continued its late-season surge on Fan Appreciation Night, defeating Atlanta United 1–0 at BMO Stadium on October 5, 2025. The victory marked LAFC’s fifth straight win and further solidified their playoff positioning in the Western Conference with just four regular season matches remaining.

Entering the evening, LAFC sat fourth in the West, holding games in hand on the top three teams and maintaining a seven-point cushion over fifth-place Seattle. Atlanta, meanwhile, arrived in Los Angeles sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference and already eliminated from playoff contention.

The spotlight was once again on Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, whose chemistry has defined LAFC’s attack in recent weeks. The pair had combined to score the team’s previous 17 goals, the longest such streak by two teammates in MLS history, and both were set to depart for international duty following the match. Bouanga began the night trailing Lionel Messi by just one goal in the MLS Golden Boot race, adding extra motivation to an already charged atmosphere at BMO Stadium.

The hosts came out strong, with Bouanga testing Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in the sixth minute on a powerful left-footed strike. LAFC controlled 52% of possession throughout the half, dictating tempo and pushing forward through overlapping runs from Sergi Palencia and Ryan Hollingshead.

In the 29th minute, a risky back pass from Atlanta nearly gifted LAFC an opening, as Son sprinted to intercept, but the keeper cleared just in time. Hollingshead later came close with a glancing header that drifted narrowly wide.

Despite nine total shots in the first half, LAFC couldn’t find the back of the net. Atlanta struggled to create chances, recording just one shot on target as the half ended scoreless.

The intensity continued after the break, with LAFC pushing higher up the field in search of a breakthrough. Midfielder Choinière received a yellow card early in the half for a tactical foul, while Hugo Lloris was called into action to deny Atlanta’s Slisz on a rare counterattack.

LAFC maintained attacking pressure, repeatedly working through Son, who looked eager to assist Bouanga but found little space against Atlanta’s compact defense. Hollingshead saw another header miss wide before being substituted for Smoliakov, while Moran replaced Choinière to inject fresh energy in midfield.

In the 70th minute, Atlanta nearly stole the lead when Slisz’s curling shot struck the right post, a narrow escape that kept the score level. The visitors made a pair of substitutions soon after, but LAFC continued to dictate play.

Then, in the 86th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Denis Bouanga, wearing number 99, scored his 99th career goal, breaking the deadlock with a composed finish from close range after sustained pressure inside the box. The goal sent the home crowd into celebration and moved Bouanga one step closer to the Golden Boot lead.

Atlanta’s frustration showed in stoppage time as Slisz picked up a yellow card for a foul on Bouanga. LAFC held firm through four added minutes to secure the 1–0 victory, their fifth straight and another clean sheet for Lloris.

Final Score: LAFC 1, Atlanta United 0

Goal: Bouanga (86’)

Yellow Cards: Choinière (LAFC), Slisz (ATL)

With the win, LAFC strengthens its grip on fourth place in the Western Conference and continues to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. As Son and Bouanga depart for international duty, the Black and Gold will look to maintain their rhythm and keep pace in the race for playoff seeding, and for Bouanga, the Golden Boot remains well within reach.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza