Denis Bouanga scored the game's only goal in the 86th minute on Sunday night to propel Los Angeles FC to a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United.

Bouanga's 24th goal of the season tied Miami's Lionel Messi for the league lead, as Los Angeles (16-7-8, 56 points) won its fifth straight game. In a scoreless tie, Los Angeles' Marco Delgado sent a ball into the box, where Atlanta defender Enea Mihaj was able to get his head on it, but the ball fell right to Bouanga, who fired it in for the go-ahead score.

Rookie goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert made three saves for Atlanta (5-15-12, 27 points), which dropped its third game in four tries. In a disappointing season, Atlanta was shut out for the 12th time this year. The visitors were outshot 15-3 on Sunday, including a 4-1 difference in shots on goa

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