LAFC vs Atlanta United – June 7, 2023
Ending in a 0-0 draw, the LAFC vs Atlanta United match on Wednesday leaned heavy on the defensive end of the spectrum at BMO Stadium. Carlos Vela missed an opportunity to score on a penalty toward the end of the game, and even with a good chunk of shots on target by the Black and Gold, LAFC were unable to score against Atlanta United veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Guzan recorded his third shutout of the 2023 MLS season making big stops against LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz and Denis Bouanga. The six-foot-four goalkeeper was unstoppable, making 10 saves compared to John McCarthy’s one single save. That pretty much sums up how the offensive tempo went for LAFC — it’s mind boggling how we couldn’t get on the board.
In the 70th minute of the match, Vela was tripped up in the box by Atlanta’s Juanjo Purata and got a chance at a PK. Vela’s shot was blocked by Guzan but video review confirmed that Guzan’s foot wasn’t placed on the goal line, which led to Vela getting another shot at PK. Unfortunately, Vela overshot into the stands, providing a souvenir for a fan.
Bouanga also had some great looks throughout the game, but his shots fell either short, wide, or into the hands of Guzan. His closest shot on goal came in the 86th minute past Atlanta defender Juan José Purata but ricochet off the near post.
On the bright side, LAFC gave Atlanta their very first shutout this season. LAFC are now 5-0-2 at home and will face off against Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, June 10.