Between VAR reviews, missed penalties, and a collage of heroic saves, this match between LAFC and Atlanta United had everything and more as the two sides share the points in a 0-0 draw.

38-year-old Atlanta United Goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, looked a lot like his 28-year-old as he tied his single-game save record with 10 saves.

After a disappointing end to their Champions League run in the final against Club Leon, and dropping points against Atlanta, LAFC look to regain their form this Saturday in Houston, when they take on the Dynamo.

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**Atlanta United Goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, put on a show for MLS fans everywhere as he had nine saves on the night, matching his single-game career high, in the 0-0 draw against LAFC.** Photo Courtesy: The Striker

What did we just watch?!

Probably one of the craziest scoreless draws you’ll see in your life, and one that comes in an untimely manner.

With the loss against Club Leon in the CONCACAF Champions League final last week, this match against Atlanta was the perfect game to regain momentum and move towards what is next for the Black and Gold.

Unfortunately, a man by the name of Bradley Edwin Guzan of Atlanta United was not fond of this concept. The 38-year-old US International single-handedly kept his team in this match, saving every bit of the 2.3 expected shots that were put on target, including an enforced/missed penalty shot from LAFC Forward, Carlos Vela.

In a game that was filled with mistakes from ten different ATL players, one man’s perfection salvaged a point for his club in Los Angeles. Have a bow, Brad Guzan!

The best Game LAFC Never Won

Despite the dominant performance, 22 total shots were just not good enough in this game that had a “Win” written all over it.

And it is not like LAFC were not good enough to win this game; they were more than capable of securing all three points; but in the end, when chances are given in front of the goal, they simply have to put away into the net.

Impressive Start for Dueñas and Others, But for Vela, Not So Much

As reported by The Striker’s, Justin Ruderman, before the match, LAFC Head Coach, Steve Cherundolo, stated that the club were “a few guys short” and his plan was to give players the opportunity to “make arguments for themselves to consistently be in the starting lineup”.

Opportunity came for Homegrown Midfielder, Erik Dueñas, who put on quite the performance in his first-ever complete game for the Black and Gold.

We also got to see the return of a familiar form from Jose Cifuentes, who has been not having the 2023 season that LAFC fans were all expecting. It did seem like he was a little more involved offensively in tonight’s scoreless draw versus Atlanta, but these Opportunities also brought exposure to those who are struggling the most: Carlos Vela

**LAFC Captain, Carlos Vela, has been underperforming lately, which has been leading to a lot of fans questioning; Is it time for LAFC and Vela to depart?** Photo Courtesy: The Striker

After a disheartening effort against Club Leon in the CONCACAF Champions League Final last week, the club’s franchise forward, Carlos Vela, and his offensive capabilities have been non-existent.

Coach Cherundolo decided to treat the Mexican International as a super-sub for the draw against Atlanta, where he came into the match in the 60th minute. His star-power was quickly recognized by the Atlanta backline, enhancing the defensive physicality.

With that, Vela was able to draw a foul in the box for a penalty shot in the 70th minute, where he was given two chances to shoot from the spot (due to goal-line infringement from Brad Guzan). Unfortunately, Vela is unable to convert as he skyrockets the do-over into the South End of BMO Stadium.

Final Thoughts

In a day that featured a couple of US Open Cup, Canadian Championship, MLS Regular Season games, and the shocking transfer of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, a scoreless draw as astonishing as this one was probably the most “cherry on top” moment Major League Soccer could ever have: and I loved every second of today.

The crazy part is: it’s only Wednesday. Cheers to a beautiful rest of the week to whomever might be reading, and have a blessed night. AND DO NOT FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE BELOW!