LAFC is living its best moment of the season. The 1-0 win over Atlanta United at BMO Stadium cemented the team as one of the most consistent in MLS and extended its winning streak to five straight matches. Denis Bouanga’s goal in the 86th minute secured all three points and put the forward at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race, now with 24 goals scored.
The California side has 56 points and has secured home-field advantage for the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. With three regular-season games left, the club is guaranteed to finish no lower than fourth in the Western Conference.
Control and the right moment to strike
From the opening whistle, LAFC controlled the tempo. With possession, movement, and high pressing, they pushed Atlanta back and practically neutralized the visitors. They outshot them 15 to 3, allowing just one shot on target all game. Despite all the dominance, the breakthrough took time to come.
The deadlock was finally broken in the closing minutes after a sequence built on patience and precision. Mark Delgado sent in a cross to Timothy Tillman, whose header was poorly cleared by the defense. The ball fell perfectly for Bouanga, who fired a first-time volley past goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert. The goal carried double meaning. It was the 99th of Bouanga’s LAFC career and came in his 100th regular-season appearance for the club.
Bouanga is in remarkable form. He’s the team’s most decisive player and one of the standout performers in MLS this year. His numbers are fueling LAFC’s late-season surge, a balance between attacking sharpness and defensive structure. When the team needs someone to make a difference, he steps up.
Lloris and the foundation of security
While the attack delivers up front, LAFC also relies on a solid defense. Hugo Lloris didn’t face much action but played a key role in securing his tenth clean sheet of the season. With that, the French goalkeeper reached historic milestones. He’s now LAFC’s all-time leader in wins, appearances, and shutouts in the regular season.
That consistency explains LAFC’s current form. Five consecutive victories mark the club’s longest run since the end of the 2024 regular season. It’s the fifth time since joining MLS in 2018 that LAFC has won five or more matches in a row. The home record is equally impressive: ten wins, four draws, and just two losses at BMO Stadium.