Adama Diomande, Diego Rossi, Carlos Vela and Eduard Atuesta all scored during a stretch of four unanswered goals in 12 minutes, and LAFC extended their lead in the Supporters' Shield standings by holding on for a 4-3 victory over Atlanta United on Friday night.
In avenging last weekend's defeat to the LA Galaxy, LAFC stretched their lead to 10 points over the Philadelphia Union, 12 over the Galaxy and 13 over Atlanta in the Shield chase. They're on a pace to finish the regular season with 76 points, which would smash the MLS record of 71 posted by the New York Red Bulls last season.
Mo Adams scored early for Atlanta in his first start since being traded from Columbus Crew SC. Josef Martinez added a goal in first-half stoppage time to cut Atlanta's deficit to two and an early own goal saw Atlanta get within one, but the visitors still fell to their sixth consecutive away defeat.
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Goals
- 2' - ATL - Mo Adams | WATCH
- 33' - LAFC - Adama Diomande | WATCH
- 38' - LAFC - Diego Rossi | WATCH
- 42' - LAFC - Carlos Vela (PK) | WATCH
- 45' - LAFC - Eduard Atuesta | WATCH
- 45'+2' - ATL - Josef Martinez | WATCH
- 51' - ATL - Eddie Segura (OG) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: LAFC defeated the defending MLS Cup champs, and Atlanta nearly pulled off an incredible comeback. Yet both teams will probably leave The Banc feeling frustrated. LAFC coach Bob Bradley was visibly annoyed during his halftime interview with ESPN after seeing his side allow Martinez's goal in first-half stoppage time. Frank de Boer will wonder how his defense conceded four goals in 12 minutes after letting in zero in the previous 231.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Referee Ismael Elfath declined to personally review the foul that led to Carlos Vela's goal from the penalty spot to make it 3-1, even though there was some question of whether Franco Escobar actually committed it fractionally outside the penalty area.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Eduard Atuesta. His stylish turnaround finish proved to be the deciding goal, and his work in central midfield was critical throughout the evening.
Up Next
- LAFC: Saturday, August 3 at New England Revolution (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US; DAZN in Canada)
- ATL: Saturday, August 3 vs. LA Galaxy (5 pm ET | FOX in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
