Mateusz Bogusz’s stunning free kick and Hugo Lloris’s third consecutive shutout propelled LAFC to a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
LAFC (7-4-3) extended their winning streak to five games, including U.S. Open Cup matches, and have now triumphed in four of their last five MLS encounters.
The match took a pivotal turn in the 60th minute when Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan received a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Josh Cohen, making his first MLS appearance, replaced Guzan. Despite playing a man down, Atlanta continued to fight until the 81st minute, when Eduard Atuesta, already booked in the 10th minute, was shown a red card, reducing Atlanta to nine men.
Bogusz seized the moment in the 63rd minute, delivering a powerful free kick that sailed under the crossbar and past Cohen, securing the lone goal of the match. Despite being outshot 15-14, LAFC’s defense, anchored by Lloris, held firm.
Atlanta United (3-7-4) has now gone winless in nine consecutive matches since their 3-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on March 31, struggling to find form as the season progresses.
LAFC’s current form has them surging up the standings, with both their offense and defense clicking at the right time. Meanwhile, Atlanta United faces mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes and break their winless streak.