LAFC Remains Unbeaten, Earning 1–1 Draw vs. Nashville

Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga (99) stands in front of team during pre-game line-up against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville on Apr 22, 2023. Courtesy of LAFC

Denis Bouanga scored the tying goal in the 59th minute and Los Angeles FC remained the lone unbeaten team in MLS with a 1–1 draw against host Nashville SC on Saturday night, April 22.

Defending MLS champion LAFC (6–0–2, 18 points) trailed for the first time this season before salvaging the draw. The goal was the seventh of the season for Bouanga.

Reigning MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar scored his third goal of the season for Nashville SC (3–3–3, 12 points).

LAFC outshot Nashville 19-8 and put twice as many shots on target—6 to 3.

Los Angeles FC defender Sergi Palencia (30) handles the ball against Nashville SC midfielder Fafa Picault (7) during the first half at Geodis Park in Nashville on Apr 22, 2023. Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis made five saves, while LAFC’s John McCarthy had two stops.

LAFC’s first deficit of the season lasted for 24 minutes until Bouanga knotted the score after some sloppy Nashville defense.

Nashville turned the ball over in midfield and the ball was passed to Bouanga, who dribbled without pressure down field and sent a strong right-footed shot into the right corner of the net.

The goal came four minutes after stalwart defender Walker Zimmerman was removed from the match and it prompted Willis to verbally express displeasure with some of the backliners.

LAFC had two strong chances over the next 10 minutes. Stipe Biuk received a pass in front of a wide-open net and lifted the shot over it in the 64th minute. Four minutes later, Bouanga’s blistering right-footed shot was saved by Willis.

LAFC star Carlos Vela entered in the 70th minute but managed just one shot.

Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) dribbles the ball against Nashville SC defender during the second half at Geodis Park in Nashville on Apr 22, 2023. Courtesy of LAFC

LAFC’s top chance in the final portion of the match came on a corner kick in the 86th minute, but Jose Cifuentes’ header bounced off the left goal post.

Mukhtar got Nashville on the board in the 35th minute.

The ball was loose about six yards away directly in front of the net and McCarthy opted to come out after it. But Mukhtar came in from the side and booted the ball into the net.

Four minutes later, Mukhtar had a solid chance but slid his left-footed shot just right of the net.

LAFC had three solid scoring chances prior to Nashville taking the one-goal lead.

Bouanga’s left-footed shot in the 19th minute was just wide to the right, while Cifuentes’ hard left-footed blast was saved by Willis two minutes later. In the 29th minute, Bouanga ripped a left-footed shot in which Willis made a stellar save to keep the game scoreless.