MLS Playoffs are never easy but as is the case in most postseasons around professional sports, it’s never how you do it, only that you survive and advance. With a very tough Austin FC side coming into Los Angeles, LAFC were able to find a way to do just that in Game 1 of their best-of-3 series with the Texas side. As expected, the atmosphere wasn’t at its peak given a World Series game was taking place a mere handful of miles away, but those who did choose BMO were treated to a great time, and most importantly, a win for the home side.
Starting off right ✔️ pic.twitter.com/oDH7LbUAKa
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 30, 2025
Coming into the match the key, for both sides, but especially LAFC, was to get on the scoresheet early and hopefully, often. While the latter wasn’t the case, the team did find the back of the net early enough to let the visitors know they were not about to let them walk into Los Angeles and make it a third-straight victory. If you had Denis Bouanga or Son Heung-Min scoring the first goal of the postseason, you were one of many. However, you were also wrong. In the 20th minute it was growing LAFC legend and defender, Ryan Hollingshead who helped give his side the early lead. Taking on his fellow defenders for the opposition, he put those collegiate midfield skills to use, found some space and put the ball towards goal where a friendly deflection helped guide the ball into the back of the net.
Ryan Hollingshead’s cross is deflected in to give us the lead ⚽️ https://t.co/A46UYsV5pr pic.twitter.com/eNDGNoyiT2
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 30, 2025
Officially, it was ruled an Own Goal against Austin FC, so Hollingshead wont get the official goal, but in our hearts we all know it was the mythical mustache that helped give LAFC the lead early. Credit to Austin for doing well defensively to keep it to one goal in the half as LA looked to extend the lead. Despite keeping 62% of possession in the first half, Austin only managed to get one shot off the entire half, finishing with zero shots on target. It was one of those halves where it was clear LAFC were the better side but they couldn’t find a way to really put the match away early, leaving the door open for the visitors in the second half, and we all know how that goes.
Austin came out much stronger in the second half, putting together seven shots with two finding the target. They were far more aggressive as you would expect from a team chasing the match, and if you’ve seen these two teams play, you wouldn’t have been surprised at what transpired. In the 62nd minute Austin were applying the pressure and while the LAFC defense were doing well to block some of the initial shots, they failed to clear the ball out of danger and after a few moments of pinging around, the visitors found Jon Gallagher far post and open as he slotted the ball past Lloris for the equalizer.
Game. On.
We’re all level in LA after Jon Gallagher finds the back of the net!@AustinFC // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/CRbJMqeBxf
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 30, 2025
For those who may need a refresher, in the best-of-3 round of the MLS Playoffs, there is no extra time. Should a match finish regulation in a draw, we go straight to penalty kicks to decide a winner, and while LAFC do have a legendary goalkeeper in the form of Hugo Lloris, that is always a prospect you want to avoid if you can help it. With the possibility of penalties looming, we nearly had the postseason Son / Bouanga moment that we are all excitedly waiting for. In the 79th minute, the team were hunting for a winner as Son drew several defenders as he entered the opponent’s box, and casually laid off a great pass to Denis Bouanga waiting in the wings with nobody on him. His shot was struck pure but took a deflection off the diving defender and for a moment looked like it would go just wide, however young Nathan Ordaz, who recently just signed an extension with LAFC, was at the right place at the right time. As the ball was inching towards the post and likely away from goal, Ordaz tapped it in to get it over the line. With hands over his head like a kid who had just been scolded by his abuela for sneaking cookies before dinner, there was a brief moment where the thought of him being offsides crossed his mind. However, after a VAR check from the booth, it was determined there was no need for the monitor as he was onside, confirming the goal. Ordaz season continues into playoffs as the youngster secured the win for his side with the late effort.
ORDAZ SZN CONTINUES ➡️
Nathan Ordaz with the last touch to put us in front. https://t.co/0snI56DgsK pic.twitter.com/KX4F5fRQUA
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 30, 2025
The win not only put LAFC into the driver’s seat with a 1-0 series lead, but it also sees them maintain home field advantage. Austin will absolutely be looking to throw the kitchen sink and then some at Los Angeles when these two meet in Texas this weekend, as Game 2 is set for Sunday evening. It’s never easy in the MLS Playoffs, but it’s never how you win, only that you win. Now, LAFC look to avoid the always stressful Game 3, by closing it out and cementing their spot in the quarterfinals with a win on the road.
Thoughts on the Round One win for LAFC? Leave a comment below!