Atlanta United Falls 1-0 to LAFC in Tight Road Contest

Atlanta United came up just short on the road Sunday night, falling 1-0 to Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium. Denis Bouanga scored the late game-winner as Atlanta’s resilient defensive effort nearly kept a clean sheet.

The first 20 minutes were even, but LAFC gradually started to press Atlanta’s backline. Jayden Hibbert was tested in the 21st minute when Heung Min Son fired a shot from outside the box. Bouanga followed the rebound with a close-range effort, but Hibbert was well-positioned to make the stop.

Hibbert was called into action again in the 57th minute when Sergi Palencia’s cross found Mark Delgado at the back post. The midfielder redirected a shot on goal, but Hibbert’s quick reaction, coupled with a critical clearance from Enea Mihaj, kept Atlanta level.

Atlanta nearly took the lead in the 70th minute when Bartosz Slisz unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box, only to see it deflect off an LAFC defender and bounce off the right post.

Head coach Ronny Deila made multiple substitutions in the 72nd and 78th minutes, bringing on Latte Lath, Tristan Muyumba, and Saba Lobjanidze to inject energy into the attack. Despite the adjustments, Atlanta couldn’t find a breakthrough.

The game-winning goal came in the 86th minute. Delgado lofted a cross into the box where Mihaj attempted to clear, but the ball fell to Bouanga at the back post. The striker slotted a low shot past Hibbert to secure the win for LAFC.

Atlanta United (5-15-12, 27 points) will now turn its attention to the final home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before wrapping up the season on the road at Inter Miami CF on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Chase Stadium.