match recap

la GALAXY VS AUSTIN FC

By Richard Morales Apr 20, 2025

Starting XI vs Austin FC : @lagalaxy

Austin Fc secure 3 points

Date: April 19, 2025
Competition: MLS Regular Season
Venue: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
Final Score: Austin FC 1, LA Galaxy 0

Match Overview

Austin FC edged out the LA Galaxy in a tense and tactical matchup at Q2 Stadium. A late goal by Brandon Vázquez sealed the three points for the home side, leaving the Galaxy winless nine games into the 2025 MLS season.

Yamane Crossing the ball : @lagalaxy

First Half: Tight Midfield Battle

The first 45 minutes saw both teams adopt a cautious approach, with much of the play concentrated in midfield. Despite the Galaxy controlling possession, neither side could find a breakthrough:

  • LA Galaxy dominated the ball (nearly 60% possession), but struggled to create high-quality chances.

  • Austin FC sat deeper, absorbing pressure and trying to hit on the counter.

  • Both goalkeepers were rarely tested in the opening half, and neither team registered a big scoring opportunity.

The half ended 0-0 with the feeling that a single moment could change the match.

Zavleta defender LA Galaxy : lagalaxy

Second Half: Momentum Shifts and Key Chances

The second half opened up more, with both teams increasing their urgency:

  • Austin’s intensity increased, pressing higher and forcing turnovers.

  • In the 60th minute, Austin FC earned a penalty, but Brandon Vázquez's shot was saved by LA’s keeper John McCarthy, keeping the score level.

  • Despite the miss, Austin kept the pressure on and began winning the physical battles in midfield.

Gabriel Pec taking shot at goal : @lagalaxy

80th Minute – The Decisive Goal

After a period of growing dominance from the home side, Austin finally broke the deadlock:

  • Goal – Brandon Vázquez (80’):
    Redeeming his earlier penalty miss, Vázquez found space inside the box and struck a clean finish from close range after a slick passing move involving Sebastián Driussi and Jon Gallagher.

  • The goal sent the Q2 Stadium crowd into celebration and put LA Galaxy on the back foot with little time to respond.

Defensive Discipline from Austin

The final 10 minutes showcased Austin FC's commitment to seeing out the win:

  • Brad Stuver made key saves, especially from long-range efforts by Riqui Puig and Gastón Brugman.

  • Center-backs Julio Cascante and Leo Väisänen held strong, clearing multiple dangerous crosses as LA pushed forward.

  • Austin recorded their third consecutive clean sheet, highlighting their improved defensive structure.

LA Galaxy’s Ongoing Struggles

This defeat marks nine games without a win for the Galaxy:

  • 0 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses

  • They have struggled with consistency in the final third and lapses in concentration defensively.

  • Missing key forward Dejan Joveljić due to injury hurt their ability to convert pressure into goals.

The team’s performance is raising questions about Greg Vanney’s tactical direction and potential squad changes.

Austin FC on the Rise

  • Austin has now won 4 of their last 5 matches, moving up in the Western Conference standings.

  • Their defense is becoming a strength, while Vázquez and Driussi are forming a promising partnership up front.

  • Confidence is high ahead of their next fixtures.

What’s Next?

  • Austin FC: Travel to play Vancouver Whitecaps on May 4.

  • LA Galaxy: Host the Portland Timbers on April 27, hoping to finally notch their first win of 2025.

John McCarthy LA Galaxy Goalkeeper : @lagalaxy

mls-galaxy-austin FC