Brad Guzan made eight saves to secure a road point for Atlanta United in a 0-0 draw with Los Angeles FC on Wednesday.
The draw extended unbeaten streaks for both teams. Atlanta is 1-0-4 in its past five MLS games, while Los Angeles is 2-0-2 in its past four.
The result had the feel of two lost points for LAFC (7-1-5, 26 points) given how the home team dominated play. Los Angeles outshot Atlanta United (6-4-7, 25 points) by a 22-4 margin, including an 8-0 edge in shots on target.
However, LAFC couldn’t solve Guzan, who was often spectacular in recording his third shutout of the season. The veteran goalkeeper’s big game was highlighted by close-range stops on Mateusz Bogusz in the 22nd minute and Denis Bouanga in the 66th minute.
LAFC’s Carlos Vela had two chances at a penalty kick, after Juanjo Purata was called for a foul in the box in the 70th minute. Guzan seemingly made the initial save, but a video review ruled that the goalkeeper moved off the goal line too soon.
However, Vela still couldn’t capitalize on his second attempt. Vela’s next penalty kick sailed well over the net, costing Los Angeles FC their clearest opportunity of the game.
The attack continued for LAFC into the final minutes of regulation and through 12 minutes of stoppage time. Bouanga had his run of near-misses continue late into the game — the striker banked a shot off the post, had a deflected shot stopped by an almost-unaware Guzan, and then fired wide on the game’s final shot.
Atlanta United was shut out for the first time this season. The Five Stripes’ 32 goals are tied for the second-highest total in MLS.
Substitute Ajani Fortune had Atlanta United’s best chance of the game in the 83rd minute, firing a shot wide off a well-placed cross from Caleb Wiley.
Los Angeles is 5-0-2 in home games this season, while Atlanta is 1-3-5 on the road.
–Field Level Media
