Happy Midweek Madness in the MLS everyone! LAFC are once again fighting the quick turnaround and the wackiness of Wednesday matches as they hit the road to take on Austin FC. The black & gold are looking to continue improving their road form, and push their unbeaten run to nine, with a win in Austin this evening. While the somewhat budding rivalry that was brewing between these two sides has cooled recently, this is still a match against a team that loves nothing more than handing Los Angeles a big fat L.
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 18, 2024
Green with envy
Austin FC come into this match looking to take full advantage of being at home against one of the leagues best. Luckily for them, their form at home has been wildly better than that one the road, similar to the way their opponents started the season. However, this team did lose their last time out at home, in fact, they enter today riding a three match losing streak, having lost by combined score line of 9-1. This is the first meeting between the two sides this season, with LAFC winners in their last three matchups. Struggling to score, Austin are 22nd in MLS in goals scored, meaning if they want to have any chance at a result in this one, they will likely use the same tactics the team saw a few days. A side that will mostly defend, try to smash in a goal on the counter, keeping it close just long enough to either escape with the upset or steal a point off LAFC.
Staying hungry
The turnaround for LAFC has been brilliant to watch. With players finally coming into individual form, the team as a whole has reaped the benefits wit the team riding an eight match unbeaten run in all competitions (two of those wins were in the US Open Cup competition). Having had their six match run of shutouts snapped a few days ago, the team is looking to start a new one as they aim to continue recent form with a win on the road.
“Right now, we are in the stage of the season where, for us, every point counts” said LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez when speaking to media ahead of today’s match. “That’s our mentality as a group, that’s how we approached the game in Orlando, and how we approach the game here in Austin.” While LAFC are climbing ever closer to regaining their spot atop the Western Conference, Ilie isn’t wrong, this is still a crucial point in the season for every club. With just a handful of matches before players leave for Olympics, and teams like LAFC prepare for the Leagues Cup tournament, this is a prime opportunity for clubs to really set themselves up nicely for the playoff push fresh off the chaos of Summer Olympics. For LAFC, the more points they collect, the better the odds are they go into the “break” in first place, and may very well even have a pretty nice gap built. But, they have to keep getting points, especially against struggling opponents like Austin FC.
How to Watch
The match is set to kickoff at 5:30pm PT from Q2 Stadium in Austin, Tx. The broadcast can be seen for free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for the radio broadcast can find it on 710 ESPN LA, as well as the ESPN LA App for English and 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish.
Thoughts on today’s match? Leave a comment below!