A short turnaround and Midweek Madness in the MLS usually means one thing, chaos. LAFC look to avoid being on the wrong end of a wacky match as they travel to Austin taking on Austin FC in a battle of Western Conference sides. Riding an eight match win streak, Los Angeles look to put this one away early as to avoid giving the home side any hope.
Players for Change.
Players arrived in a special pre-match top to celebrate #Juneteenth and remind us of the need for continued progress in bridging the racial equality gap.#LAFC | @BPCMLS pic.twitter.com/8nphiGoMHq
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 20, 2024
It was a dreary, rainy night in Austin for this match, with the energy in the air almost leaning towards the home side. As it should, considering it was a home match for them, but the start of the match only proved the point as LAFC struggled to get going early. For a while it didn’t look like a problem as Austin seemed keen on not being too aggressive early. Then, it happened. In the 20th minute we got to see typical midweek madness at its peak and Austin took full advantage. It appeared as though LAFC midfielder Eduard Atuesta clashed with the referee in the middle of the pitch, causing him to fall to the ground and lose the ball. Austin took possession and went straight for goal with Jader Obrian taking a shot that then deflected off an LAFC defender and into the back of the net. As we feared, LAFC were on the wrong end of wackiness for the opening goal.
Jáder Obrian takes it himself and @AustinFC take the lead at home!
📺 Free on Apple TV: https://t.co/bYrPutHYjW pic.twitter.com/LWaJQO7SYQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 20, 2024
That would be the only goal scored in a half that wasn’t necessarily sloppy, but it wasn’t the prettiest football. Austin made the most of their lone shot on target with their goal, while LAFC only mustered four shots in the half, with none finding their target. Fighting not just a pesky Austin side, but the elements, LAFC would need to focus and find ways to break down the opposing defense with consistency if they were, at the very least, to leave Texas with a point.
Through 70 minutes Austin held on to their goal lead, but LAFC were starting to find some looks. The rain wasn’t letting up as things only got messier, but the boys were pushing for that equalizer. They had added to their shot tally, but had continued to fail to hit the target. With about 20 minutes left in the match, they needed to start taking some risks if they were going to keep the streak from being snapped on the road.
Just when it looked like LAFC were set for another loss under nasty weather conditions, Kei Kamara, on Juneteenth, in the final moments of regulation, came up with a massive moment. A free kick gave LAFC the opportunity and a great ball from Bogusz found a leaping Kamara who slammed it home with a great header from the back post. The goal gave Los Angeles the much welcome point on the road, and pushes their unbeaten run to nine matches. It also put Kamara tied for 2nd most MLS goals all time.
Late-game hero. History maker. ⚽️
With this goal, Kei Kamara is now tied for 2nd most @MLS goals of all time. pic.twitter.com/2zNjemWqSW
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 20, 2024
Thoughts on tonight’s draw? Leave a comment below!