Atlanta United and LAFC met Saturday in an interconference matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, each club entering the contest sitting on 99 wins in MLS regular season history. Two red cards were given in the match, including one to Atlanta United's goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and the reigning Western Conference champions converted a direct free kick in the second half to win this round 1-0.
Atlanta United remains in the hunt for the club's 100th regular season win -- and the team's first win since March.
The MLS leader in shots on target was indeed the first to put one on frame Saturday. Denis Bouanga, the 2023 Golden Boot winner, cracked a strike from beyond the box in the second minute of action that went right into the hands of Guzan. Atlanta returned the favor a few minutes later in the seventh minute. A low strike off the foot of Xande Silva was on target but didn’t quite have enough pace to freeze LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
LAFC was fast and unafraid in their attack, taking 11 shots, four on target, in the first half alone. In the 17th minute, the Atlanta United goalkeeper faced a major test after a ball was played over-the-top to Mateusz Bogusz making a vertical run. Bogusz beat his defender and had Guzan 1v1 inside the box. The midfielder connected with his left foot and Atlanta United’s big, bald wall came up with the block to keep the visitors off the board for the moment.
Atlanta United had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 35th minute. Possessing in their attacking third, Saba Lobjanidze chipped a ball through three defenders and into space for Brooks Lennon. The fullback served a low ball on a platter to Daniel Ríos inside the box. The striker made contact, but his shot swerved wide of frame and just out of reach of Xande Silva to redirect at the far post.
"That was a very good play, but we couldn't penetrate as much as we wanted," head coach Gonzalo Pineda said.
The match intensified in the second half when a red card was issued to Atlanta United. There was a long delay following an awkward collision between Guzan and Bogusz. The LAFC midfielder was running on as Guzan came out of his box to head the ball away out of danger. The play caused Bogusz to fall, which resulted in a lengthy VAR to determine if there was a foul. After review, officials issued Guzan a red card for denying a near-certain goal and the goalkeeper was sent off the pitch.
Atlanta United would play the rest of the match with 10 men. Goalkeeper Josh Cohen, coming off back-to-back starts in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, was used as a substitute and entered the match at goalkeeper. The appearance marked Cohen's MLS regular season debut.
LAFC was awarded a direct free kick where the foul occurred, about 20 yards from goal. The visitors capitalized immediately. Bogusz drilled the kick to give LAFC a one-goal lead in the 63rd minute. It was the first goal for LAFC against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"It's just unlucky with the goal," said center back Derrick Williams. "I think that just happens. When things aren't going your way, they really don't go your way.... the way we turn this around is working extra hard and earning the right to play and fight."
In the 81st minute, LAFC also went down to 10 men. Eduard Atuesta received his second yellow card and was sent off the pitch.
Thiago Almada, who entered the match in the 62nd minute as a substitute and instantly provided a spark, took the direct free kick from about 20 yards away from goal. The attempt from the World Cup winner was deflected and sailed over goal in what was one of Atlanta United's best chances to level the match in the final minutes of regulation and the eight added minutes of stoppage time.
"We didn't have today, for more than 30 minutes, Thiago available," Pineda said. "With Thiago we were way more dangerous."
After LAFC dominated the shots and chances in the first half, Atlanta United ended the match with more shots than LAFC, 16-14.
Stian Gregersen, the 6-foot-4 center back in the starting XI, anchored a backline that kept an aggressive LAFC attack off the score board in the first 45 minutes and from scoring during the run of play. The Norwegian made a tough tackle on Bouanga early in the first half that led to a fast counterattack for the 5-Stripes. Later in the 27th minute, Gregersen made a big, sliding stop to prevent another chance for Bogusz.
For his strong play and good effort, Gregersen was awarded the Golden Spike of Excellence.
"He's a center back of very high caliber," Pineda said. "I thought he had a tremendous game. Then at the end, he was tired, he had some cramps, and I had to sub him. But I think he did an amazing job. He's very important for the team, and we were missing him for a long time."
With a few notable names unable to make the start, Pineda got a little creative with his starting XI. He inserted two strikers in the starting lineup, Ríos and Jamal Thiaré. Xande Silva and Lobjanidze, both healthy, started and brought speed to the wings. Gregersen and Luis Abram paired up as the two central defenders. Williams entered the match in the 72nd minute, making his first appearance since April 6.
Atlanta United | LAFC | |
|---|---|---|
Shots | 16 | 14 |
Shots on target | 4 | 5 |
Corner kicks | 5 | 9 |
Fouls committed | 12 | 8 |
xG | 1.7 | 1.3 |
Possession | 58.7% | 41.3% |
Passing accuracy | 87.7% | 80.4% |
Up next - Double matchweek at Inter Miami CF and rival Charlotte FC at home
It's a double matchweek for Atlanta United against two major opponents. Up first, Atlanta United goes on the road for a midweek match against Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez & co. on Wednesday, May 29. Then, the 5-Stripes return home for a rivalry match against Charlotte FC on Sunday, June 2.
We'll be celebrating Pride, our MARTA partnership and more at our home match on June 2. View our promotional ticket packs and celebrate with us at Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
