The black & gold were back home in the friendlier confines of BMO stadium. While they didn’t get the win last time at home, the team is far more comfortable here than anywhere else. LAFC played host to Nashville SC this evening, as they looked to end the scoring drought, and snap the winless run all in one match. With the squad falling in the standings, the team need a win tonight, lest they continue this rough start to the new campaign.
The Starting XI for #LAFCvNSH #LAFC | @bmo_us pic.twitter.com/pJVwet2Zhc
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 24, 2024
We finally saw glimpses of vintage LAFC early in this match as the boys looked to put their foot on the gas from the opening kickoff. It took them just nine minutes to find the back of the net and snap the goalless drought they had suffered over the last four matches. LAFC took advantage of the corner kick early, with Atuesta sending in a great ball to the box. The ball bounced off a Nashville defender on the line, falling right to Timothy Tillman who sent it right back, this time getting past the line for the early lead and the relief was palpable.
The touch from Tillman that gave us the lead ⚽️#LAFCvNSH 2-0 pic.twitter.com/6fXN4AqeR9
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 24, 2024
The goal was so nice, the team needed to do it twice and wasted no time in doing just that. Minutes after the opener, the home side were able to draw a penalty, sending Denis Bouanga to the spot to try and double the lead. Having failed to open his account to this point, this was by far the easiest chance the striker would have to finally get his goal. Stepping up to the spot, he calmly slammed it home to double the lead for LAFC, putting them two goals ahead before we hit the 20 minute mark. This was the LAFC we were used to seeing.
Denis from the spot 🎯#LAFCvNSH 2-0 pic.twitter.com/Cg5Q2qQrea
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 24, 2024
Those would be the only two goals scored in the half, but it wasn’t for the lack of effort. Denis Bouanga nearly got his brace in the first half, finding space near the back post, but his shot was undone by said post, keeping him at a single goal for the moment. Nashville finished the half with 60% possession, but were far from in control of the match. A lot of their attack was aimless, with them getting off six shots, but just one finding the target. They thought they pulled one back late in the half, but there was a foul on the build up that disallowed the effort, keeping them scoreless going into the break.
Bouanga didn’t need to wait long to get his brace however, as LAFC picked up right where they left off in the second half. Just minutes into the second half, the team went on a great attacking run, cutting through the defense and putting together some great passing. The final pass went into the box where it looked like Atuesta would take it, but he hopped over it and left it for the waiting Bouanga at the back, who slammed it home for his brace, extending the lead to three goals.
Denis slots home his second💫#LAFCvNSH 3-0 pic.twitter.com/Ns4kP46CPf
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 24, 2024
Things got real spicy in the 60th minute, as the Nashville goalkeeper was shown a red card for coming out and handling the ball outside of his box. It was close, but on review, it was a clear violation and the decision upheld. LAFC now had a player advantage as well as the three goal lead with just under 30 minutes left to play. The rout was officially on. During pregame of the match it was discovered that Olly the falcon was lost after her traditional pre-match flight, however don’t worry! Our favorite bird returned, and not a moment too soon, as she did so right as LAFC scored their fourth goal of the night. Poetically, it was Olivera (see the connection) who got on the end of it, and punched it home for the fourth.
Olivera with his first of the season ⚽️#LAFCvNSH 4-0 pic.twitter.com/98W82VLY0o
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 24, 2024
It didn’t end there. On what was a perfect night for LAFC, there was just one objective left and in the final moments of the match it happened. Getting another break, and one more chance at another, it was the prodigal son returned to his home, Eduard Atuesta, who got on the end of it and put it home for the fifth goal on the night, but his first in LA since his return. The cherry on top of what was an incredible performance for the squad.
Atuesta makes it 5 for @LAFC! pic.twitter.com/JF8yGUePNi
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 24, 2024
The win is obviously a great result, but the way the team looked and played tonight is the real story. It is only one game, but the team appear to have snapped out of their slump, doing so in emphatic and impressive fashion. Now the focus is on getting that first road win, with a matchup against Colorado Rapids, in their house.
Alright fans let’s hear it, thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below!