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LAFC 4, Austin FC 1: Los Angeles makes statement in win, advance to conference semifinals

LAFC advance to Western Conference semifinals with statement win on the road
Trebor TracyBy 6 Mins Read
LAFC forward Jeremy Ebobisse celebrates his goal against Austin FC. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles FC

Last night was the perfect example of why this LAFC came into the postseason as the heavy favorites, despite finishing third in the Western Conference. It was proof that, when at their best and firing on all cylinders, there isn’t a team in this league that will come close to them. On the road, with a chance to close out round one of the MLS Cup Playoffs best-of-3 series, Los Angeles didn’t just survive and advance, they put Austin to the sword and put on a performance that will have every team left in the playoffs all the more worried.

Both teams came out aggressive which should be no surprise. Austin FC were fighting for their postseason lives as they looked to avoid elimination while LAFC were wanting to put the game away early to give the home side no hope. Fortunately for us, it worked out to be the latter as Los Angeles locked in and turned the game on its head in the span of just a few minutes. The opening goal of the night came in the 21st minute. Bouanga was able to get a pass off just as a defender was coming his way, and the ball was perfectly weighted to find Son on the run as he took on former LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez. A few dribble moves to cook the midfielder marking him, and Son got enough space to send in the shot that screamed past the keeper for the early lead.

The goal marked the first-ever MLS Cup Playoff goal from Son, who has been a true catalyst for this LAFC attack since he arrived. The goal also seemed to activate the Wonder Twin powers between he and Bouanga because just four minutes after the first, they connected again for the second goal of the night. A great ball from the defense on the counter attack once again sent Son running towards goal, with the Austin keeper living dangerously and coming off his line to try and get to the ball, only to watch son tap it around him, setting up pandemonium. Austin defenders were desperately running to defend the now open goal, with the keeper desperate to get back as well, and Son desperately trying to find a teammate to take advantage. Of course, he finally found Bouanga who had to deal with one defender on the line and a sprinting keeper who, while he did get back, wasn’t fast enough to really set up a proper attempt at defending and with one swift strike Denis doubled the lead for Los Angeles. The goal was also a milestone for the Gabonese forward, giving him 100 goals in all competitions for the black & gold.

Austin FC were awarded a penalty to try and cut the deficit in half as the first half started to dwindle down, but Hugo Lloris tapped into that legendary status and put a stop to the shot, keeping the sheet clean for the time being, and most importantly keeping it a two goal lead for his side. Momentum swung even more towards LAFC  in the 44th minute. A free kick sent forward, a slick touch pass to find Bouanga in the box and then it was soul snatching season as Denis put on a disgusting cutback that sent the defender falling to the ground, only capable of watching as the goal tally reached 101 for Bouanga, bagging his brace in the first half and giving LA the 3-0 lead as halftime approached.

Austin FC were thrown another lifeline in the first half, with the last action before the break. They had earned yet another penalty, and were desperate to find a spark to help push them to an incredible comeback. This time it was Dani Pereira who stepped up to the spot, and while Lloris did get his fingers on it, the shot was too strong to save as it powered its way into the back of the net for the goal. It was a sliver of hope for the home side, cutting the deficit back down to two going into halftime.

Not necessarily easing up, LAFC were a lot more keen to give up possession and rely on their defense in the second half. Austin, despite the desperation, throwing bodies forward and doing their best to come at goal, only managed two shots the entire second half. They did have one big chance to cut it down to a one goal lead in the 69th minute, but they couldn’t find their way past the wall at the back for LA. The second half wasn’t all defense for LAFC though, as they drove the final nail into the coffin deep into stoppage time. Jeremy Ebobisse was on the end of a great pass from Mark Delgado on a breakaway that saw them with numbers. While Ebobisse needed time to set up the best look, he was able to eventually get it past the keeper for the fourth goal for LA and final one on the night.

While Austin got the regular season sweep on Los Angeles, it was the black & gold who won when it really mattered the most as they take the series 2-0 and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. With another International break coming up, the next time this team will take the field will be the weekend of November 22nd. Their opponent has already been determined as well, as the team hit the road to take on Vancouver Whitecaps. As a reminder, the rest of the playoffs will be single-elimination, so it’s win or go home time from here on out.

Thoughts on the series win over Austin FC? Leave a comment below!

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