Bouanga's goal lifts Los Angeles FC past Atlanta United

VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MLS GAME BETWEEN LOS ANGELES FOOTBALL CLUB AND ATLANTA UNITED COMPLETE SHOTLIST TO FOLLOW SHOWS: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 5, 2025) (SOCCER UNITED MARKETING – Editorial use only. No more than two minutes use per match. Must on screen courtesy 'MLS on Apple'. No use after December 31, 2025. No monetisation. No resales. No sublicensing) STORY: Denis Bouanga's late strike in the 86th minute on Sunday (October 5) secured Los Angeles FC a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United, extending the hosts' winning streak to five games. Bouanga's goal, his 24th of the season, tied him with Lionel Messi of Inter Miami for the league lead as Los Angeles improved to 16-7-8 with 56 points. Bouanga capitalized on a deflected header from Atlanta defender Enea Mihaj off a delivery into the box by Marco Delgado, firing the decisive shot past rookie goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert. Hibbert, who made three saves, was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance by Atlanta, which suffered its third loss in four games and was shut out for the 12th time this season. The visitors were outshot 15-3, including a 4-1 deficit in shots on goal. Atlanta's best opportunity came in the 70th minute when Bartosz Slisz's deflected shot struck the right post. Earlier, Slisz forced a save from Hugo Lloris in the 58th minute, marking Atlanta's first shot on goal of the match. Los Angeles dominated the first half with nine shots to Atlanta's one but went into halftime locked at 0-0. Bouanga and Son Heung-Min tested Hibbert early, but the Atlanta keeper denied both in the 21st minute. Atlanta's Miguel Almiron managed a blocked attempt in the 43rd minute, offering little threat to Los Angeles' defense. Los Angeles FC will host Toronto FC in its final regular-season home match on Wednesday, while Atlanta United travels to Inter Miami on Saturday for its last away fixture of 2025. (Production: Suramya Kaushik)

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