Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Bouanga’s 86th-Minute Winner Gives LAFC Fifth Straight Win, Clinches First-Round Home Field

LAFC now faces a short-handed stretch with both star forwards on international duty.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 5: Denis Bouanga #99 of LAFC celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United during the second half at BMO Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club (R) reacts to a missed scoring opportunity during a Major League Soccer match against Atlanta United FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 2025, in this Imagn Images photo via Reuters. (Yonhap)
LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead, left, celebrates with teammate Mark Delgado after a victory over Club America that qualified the team for the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year at BMO Stadium. LAFC is surging up the MLS standings in the final weeks of the regular season. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)
Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club (R) battles Stian Gregersen of Atlanta United FC for the ball during the clubs' Major League Soccer at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, 2025, in this Getty Images photo. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Denis Bouanga scored in the 86th minute to extend his scoring streak to six matches and reach 24 goals, tying Lionel Messi for the MLS lead.
  • LAFC’s run hit five consecutive victories, with the team’s last 18 goals all scored by Bouanga or Son Heung-min.
  • Son’s four-match scoring streak ended as Atlanta deployed a compact five-man back line and finished with only three shots.
  • The victory guaranteed LAFC home-field advantage in the first round while the club continues to push for higher seeding with games in hand.
  • LAFC will play Toronto on Wednesday and Austin on Sunday without Bouanga and Son, with additional absences for Mathieu Choinière and Nathan Ordaz due to national-team duty and a rescheduled fixture tied to Club World Cup commitments.