


Los Angeles FC and Austin FC are going to meet in a game that will be full of tension and grit. LAFC, reeling from a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in the Concacaf Champions League, are in dire need of getting back on track. Denis Bouanga's injection of spark was not enough last time, and injuries are mounting, challenging their depth. Meanwhile, Austin FC are feeling wounded following their 1-0 loss to Colorado Rapids, in which they dominated possession without finding the net. The two teams have both had their unbalanced seasons up to now—LAFC on two wins, Austin with a single victory. The head-to-head remains resoundingly in LAFC's favor, yet Austin desperation should make it come down to the wire. Both teams having their respective 'keepers in the shape of Hugo Lloris and Bradley Stuver should lead to a war of wills. This isn't a game; it's a chance for redemption on both sides.
Claim Welcome BonusLos Angeles FC
Los Angeles FC come into this game with bruised egos after a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew in the Concacaf Round of 16 second leg. Denis Bouanga was the sole scorer from their side, but 31% possession and a paltry nine shots on target showed an out-of-control side. They had three corners and five saves but racked up 11 fouls and four yellow cards in a gritty display.
Now, they play Austin FC with an xG rating of 1.52, which indicates they'll have opportunities. Injuries plague them—Maxime Chanot, Timmy Tillman, Odin Holm, and Lorenzo Dellavalle are injured, leaving Steve Cherundolo's team thin. Their current form (WWWLL) is a hot streak undone by two straight losses. Cherundolo will count on Hugo Lloris, who's been a rock in goal with four clean sheets in six games. Seated fifth on the table with 6 points (2W, 0D, 1L), LAFC need a win to climb up. This team has firepower but was shaky last game.
Austin's defense can be their chance to get back into form. Lloris will be the difference-maker—he has been in tight spots before and thrives under pressure. If Bouanga is left alone, LAFC can dictate the tempo. But with injuries biting, they'll have to rely on others to step up. This is not such a flair game as it is a grind out a score kind of game. Cherundolo knows that, and his team will need to show it.
Austin FC
Austin FC are coming off a lackluster 1-0 loss to Colorado Rapids, where they controlled 59% of the possession and had 27 shots on goal but were unable to score. Seven corners and 19 fouls signaled their intensity, but only two saves by goalkeeper Bradley Stuver kept it from being a blowout. Two yellow cards added to the sense of tension in a game that they should have won. Facing LAFC next, their xG is 1.12—low-key, but they'll need to convert chances into goals more effectively. The loss of Julio Cascante leaves their defense vulnerable, and recent form (LWWLL) shows a team that's unpredictable—two wins and two defeats. Coach Nico Estévez has his job cut out against a tougher foe. Bradley Stuver, with one clean sheet in three matches, remains their rock. Sitting in 10th place on 3 points (1W, 0D, 2L), Austin are desperate to get their campaign underway. Previously, they enjoyed a lot of possession but did not have the finish—27 shots and zero for their efforts. LAFC's defense, led by Hugo Lloris, will not be easy to break. Stuver will have a chaotic night, and Austin's attack needs to stir from its slumber. Their record against LAFC is disastrous, but desperation might just prompt something. Estévez will stress discipline after 19 fouls last week exposed sloppy play. It's not a must-win yet, but close. Austin have the tools to hang on there—possession and number of shots—but capitalizing on chances against injured LAFC will tell if they sink or swim.
Head to Head
Los Angeles FC dominate Austin FC's history with 7 wins and 2 and 2 draws in 11 matches. They recently played their match on September 19, 2024, which drew 1-1, clearly showing Austin is capable of holding their own. LAFC dominance comes from superior finishing and resilience at the back, consistently profiting from wastefulness in Austin. At home, LAFC have taken four of six from Austin, who've won just one road game in the series. Recent trends show LAFC still favorites, but that draw last fall shows Austin can frustrate. This game could come down to who gets on the board first.
History of Head-to-Heads














Los Angeles FC Latest Games











Austin FC Latest Games











Expert Betting Tips
LAFC to Win (1.71 odds): LAFC's recent form (2W in 3) and head-to-head record (7-2-2) overwhelm Austin's poor recent form (1W in 5). Home bias is the deciding factor.
Under 3 Goals (1.6 odds): Both sides boast great keepers (Lloris: 4 clean sheets; Stuver: 1). Last game ended 1-1, and Austin's goal-scoring struggles persist.
Denis Bouanga to Score (1.909 odds): Bouanga’s recent goal and LAFC’s reliance on him against Austin’s shaky defense (Cascante out) make this a safe pick.
Other predictions


