📰 MLS Headliners: LAFC hero, Nashville progress, Sounders sunk | OneFootball

The penultimate Sunday of the MLS regular season threw up plenty of storylines, as the battle for the remaining play-off spots intensified.

There was also the small matter of the Supporters’ Shield on the agenda. Here’s how it all played out…

Individual brilliance, collective success

Denis Bouanga only joined Los Angeles FC in early August, yet he has already written himself into the club’s history books.

The Black and Gold needed to win at Portland Timbers in order to wrap up a second Supporters’ Shield crown.

But, after conceding an equaliser with just under 10 minutes to play, it seemed that they would need to try and get it done on Decision Day instead.

Former Saint-Étienne winger Bouanga had other ideas, however, as his penetrating dribble proved fruitful and LAFC dramatically secured the three points they required to deny Eastern Conference candidates Philadelphia Union.

Nashville benefit from others

Before they had even kicked off at home to Houston, Nashville had reason to celebrate as their passage to the post-season was confirmed.

The Timbers’ late concession to LAFC had positive consequences for Nashville.

It meant the Yotes’ 2-1 loss at home to the Dynamo was pretty inconsequential in the grander scheme of things.

Sounders miss play-offs for first time

Seattle Sounders may have reached the end of the road for many in their current squad.

The 2016 and 2019 MLS Cup winners have struggled for much of the season and it all came to a head at Sporting KC.

Not only did the Wizards deny Seattle the win they needed, they won on a 1-0 scoreline that was ultimately flattering to Brian Schmetzer’s charges.

It seems almost inconceivable that the Rave Green will not be in the post-season mix, but qualifying every year from 2009 to 2021 was an incredible achievement.

Guess it’s true what they say that all great empires fall.