Following a scoreless and winless streak spanning three consecutive games, LAFC broke the drought in spectacular fashion on Saturday night at BMO Stadium, securing a resounding 5-0 victory over Nashville SC.
The match showcased a diverse array of goals, including a set-piece strike, a penalty-kick conversion, a powerful header, the MLS debut assist from a teenager, and another assist from a player making his first start of the season. This victory propelled LAFC to a 2-win, 2-loss, 1-draw record for the season, elevating them from tenth to fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
Additionally, the match featured a clean sheet for LAFC’s goalkeeper and a straight red card for their opponent, providing a memorable conclusion to a night that contrasted starkly with the team’s previous three lackluster performances.
Notably, forward Denis Bouanga played a pivotal role in LAFC’s resurgence, breaking his scoring drought by netting the team’s second and third goals of the night. This marked the end of his second-longest scoring dry spell in his MLS career, spanning four games. As the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner, Bouanga’s return to form was eagerly awaited, particularly since he had played every minute for LAFC so far in the 2024 season alongside Hugo Lloris and Aaron Long. Bouanga’s successful penalty-kick goal in the 18th minute not only opened his scoring account for the season but also maintained his flawless record of 7-for-7 in penalty conversions since joining LAFC in 2022.
Reflecting on the match, Bouanga expressed satisfaction with the team’s strong start and their ability to maintain momentum after scoring the opening goal. He emphasized the importance of achieving the early breakthrough to instill confidence and composure among the players, allowing them to play with greater freedom and fluidity. Overall, the victory brought a sense of relief and positivity to the LAFC camp, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the season.
His second goal, shortly after the halftime break, was set up by a diagonal ground pass from his former Ligue 1 teammate Sergi Palencia. Midfielder Eduard Atuesta cleverly jumped over the pass, creating space for Bouanga to take a clearer shot. Later in the game, Bouanga reciprocated with a deftly chipped pass into the six-yard box, which Atuesta headed home for LAFC’s fifth and final goal.
“I was impressed by Bouanga’s overall performance, his decision-making on the ball, knowing when to pass, dribble, or take a shot himself,” remarked head coach Steve Cherundolo. “His effort was commendable. He showcased aggression and skill, qualities that made an impact in the league last season.”
Cristian Olivera’s goal in the 75th minute marked his first for LAFC since October 7, 2023, and his third overall since joining the club in August of the previous year. After the match, Olivera credited the extra effort put in by players who stayed behind after training to refine their attacking tactics. “Despite the recent defeats, the team remained focused on improvement,” Olivera noted. “Our hard work paid off in this game. We hadn’t been creating many scoring opportunities, but the efforts of the entire week were evident in our performance. When you have dedication and humility, it reflects positively in every aspect of the game,” he added. “Regardless of the outcome, the attitude of this team remains unwavering.”
Olivera’s goal received its assist from 18-year-old winger David Martínez, marking Martínez’s first contribution to a goal in his LAFC career.
“Martínez is truly an outstanding player and holds great importance for us,” remarked Bouanga regarding Martínez. “We communicate a lot. Despite my limited Spanish, we manage to converse well because French and Spanish are quite similar languages.”
Palencia, stepping in at outside back in place of Omar Campos (who is representing Mexico’s U-23 national team until Monday), made a significant impact during his 65-minute stint. His powerful volley from distance, although saved by Nashville keeper Joe Willis, created a foul in the box on Timmy Tillman, leading to Bouanga’s penalty-kick goal.
Throughout the match, Palencia effectively thwarted Nashville’s dangerous attackers, Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, contributing to the visitors’ inability to score. He also played a crucial role in setting up Bouanga’s goal, which extended LAFC’s lead to 3-0.
“Palencia delivered an outstanding performance tonight,” praised Cherundolo of the 27-year-old, who recently became a father for the first time. “He brought energy, aggression, and composure… his performance was one of his best… It’s a luxury for any coach to have a player like him, who has often come off the bench. But I’m confident we’ll see more of Sergi.”
Hollingshead, who shifted to left back from his usual right back position to accommodate Palencia, also lauded his teammate. “I could praise Palencia endlessly,” he said. “He is truly exceptional both on and off the field… I’m thrilled he had this opportunity to play. He’s immensely valuable to us.”
LAFC’s expected goals (xG) metric of 4.8 against Nashville marked its highest of the season in the first five games, as reported by FBREF. Additionally, LAFC’s defensive effort, with an expected goals allowed mark of 0.5, was its strongest defensive display in 2024.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris earned his second clean sheet in five starts since joining LAFC from the English Premier League during the offseason. Impressively, it was also his second consecutive clean sheet at home. In the 270 minutes he has played at BMO Stadium, Lloris has only conceded a penalty-kick goal to Seattle.
Forward Tomás Ángel took part in an extended on-field workout before the game as he progresses towards returning to action for the first time since March 2nd.
This defeat was Nashville’s first loss in MLS play this season and marked the largest goal differential in any loss for the club in its four years in MLS.
Eduard Atuesta’s goal was his first for LAFC since he converted a penalty in a 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in September 2021. Notably, his current teammate Ilie Sánchez started at center-back for SKC in that game.
Omar Campos started at left-back for Mexico’s U-23 team in their friendly against Argentina on Friday, which ended in a 4-2 victory for Argentina.
