Austin FC wary of LAFC's counterattack entering Game 2

Los Angeles FC will try to seal their fourth consecutive Western Conference semifinal appearance when they visit Austin FC in Game 2 of a first-round MLS Cup playoff series on Sunday evening.

Nathan Ordaz scored the deciding 79th-minute goal of third-seeded LAFC's 2-1 win in the first game in Southern California on Wednesday.

That leaves sixth-seeded Austin FC in a difficult spot heading in the second game of the best-of-three set.

While conventional wisdom would suggest the Verde need to pile on the pressure to force a decisive third match, that can play exactly into what LAFC want as arguably MLS' best counterattacking side.

The Black & Gold won the first match despite having only 42.9% of the possession. That's a game model that also helped LAFC to a six-match winning streak toward the end of the regular season, spearheaded by Son Heung-Min, who arrived in August, and team scoring leader Denis Bouanga (24 goals).

"We need to be smart," Austin coach Nico Estevez said. "When you play against LAFC, it's a very tactical, controlled type of game. Although we learned where we can be more aggressive more often, we had more touches in their half than they had in our half. They feel comfortable with that. But we cannot get caught in their half."

At times, LAFC's approach goes against the expectations of a club with as much recent success, having won the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. But coach Steve Cherundolo insists it's what's best for his group.

"I love that people talk about LAFC, I love that people are passionate about our club and the way that we play, and I love the conversation around it," Cherundolo said. "But I am very clear-minded about who we are and what we can be."

With striker Brandon Vazquez sidelined since tearing his ACL in July, Austin must continue to attack by committee.

Jon Gallagher scored the Game 1 equalizer in the 63rd minute after scoring just once in the regular season. Owen Wolff (seven goals) and Myrto Uzuni (six) were the side's regular-season leaders.