5 stats that defined LAFC’s tactical win over Atlanta United

LAFC’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United wasn’t just another three points — it marked a fifth straight victory (a season-best streak), clinched home-field advantage for Round One. It reinforced the team’s tactical discipline heading into the later parts of the season under departing coach Steve Cherundolo.

The match wasn’t flashy, except for a Carlos Vela in the stands viral moment, which was a product of a very well-thought-out advertising campaign featuring the inaugural Ring of Honor inductee enjoying his delivery service food while watching the game.

Meanwhile, on the field, LAFC showed poise and efficiency, despite the low-scoring effort, and five key stats tell the story of a team sharpening its identity at just the right time.

1. Shots: 15–3 → Defensive Dominance

Miguel Almirón and Mathieu Choinière (Atlanta United / Website)

LAFC outshot Atlanta 15 to 3 — a staggering +12 margin. More importantly, the visitors managed just one shot on target. Hugo Lloris had one of the calmest games of his LAFC career.Compare that to LAFC’s season average of allowing ~10.6 shots per game, and it’s clear: Cherundolo’s side is peaking defensively while Atlanta has been reduced to very little offensively, despite spending top dollar on Latte Lath and Miguel Almirón. For LAFC, it was their lowest total allowed shots of the season, not a bad feat for a team that completely changed its center-back identity in the latter part of the season.

🔍 Season avg shots allowed: 10.6 | vs Atlanta: 3

2. Possession: 54% → Slight Edge, Not Sterile Control

Tim Tillman has been pivotal in midfield in creating pressure and chaos (Atlanta United / Web)

LAFC held 54% possession — just above their season average of 52.5%. But the story isn’t ball control for its own sake or the average itself. LAFC prefers to play without the ball, tiring its opponents for the second half. Yet, with over 600 passes completed at 90% accuracy against Atlanta, the tempo was intentional, and the circulation clean.

🔍 Season avg pass accuracy: 87% | vs Atlanta: 90%

3. Bouanga’s 24th Goal → Late-Game Killer

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Denis Bouanga struck in the 86th minute for his 24th goal of the season — and 99th in all competitions for LAFC — all on his 100th regular-season appearance. Talk about some funny numbers business. Now tied atop the MLS Golden Boot race with Messi, with Bouanga averaging an insane 0.77 goals per 90, an elite rate in any league.

🎯 LAFC G/90: 1.97 | Bouanga G/90: 0.77

4. Corners: 9–1 → Territorial Pressure

Goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert working during the LAFC game. He'd finish with 3 saves on the game during the loss (Atlanta United / Web)

Nine corners to Atlanta’s one reflects LAFC’s sustained pressure and ability to pin their opponent deep. The front three were relentless in attacking wide areas, forcing clearances and second-phase chaos.

🔍 LAFC avg corners: 5.1 | vs Atlanta: 9

5. Expected Goals (xG): Patience, Not Waste

Goodnight, Los Angeles 😴 pic.twitter.com/fjCxq2EBuQ

— LAFC (@LAFC) October 6, 2025

Despite the narrow scoreline, LAFC’s expected goals metrics tell a story of control. Their season average xG is 1.77 (non-penalty xG: 1.57), and with 15 total shots and four on target, this was more about gradual buildup than missed chances.

📉 Actual: 1 goal | Expected: ~1.5–1.7

Yet, most who attended the game on Sunday were disappointed by the low-scoring game, understandably so, when you have Sonny and Bouanga on the pitch against an opponent who has little but pride and professionalism to play for.

Yet, I called for a tight one-goal margin win because it seemed clear Atlanta didn't want to get embarrassed on national television. A team can be dominant without running up the scoreboard, though, which is precisely what LAFC did on Sunday. Yet the score was tight. This paradox is the one specific element of our game that makes it unique, especially compared to other "running up the score" sports. The underdog always has a chance, so long as the ball doesn't go in. Seems obvious. Until you see, it's not always how the script plays out.

Between the numbers, though, it was definitely a shutdown. LAFC dictated the match tempo, neutralized Atlanta's (not-so) dangerous front line, and capitalized late through its biggest weapon: Bouanga.

And now, as the FIFA break begins, LAFC looks built for knockout soccer. The question is, can it maintain the current momentum while its duo of attackers is out playing for their respective nations?One more home game remains — and a chance to lock in third place in the West with a win over Toronto in a midweek match.