LAFC Crushes Austin FC 4–1 to Sweep Playoff Series and Advance
Photo Credit: @lafc
A Statement Win in Texas
Los Angeles FC delivered a powerful postseason message on Sunday night, defeating Austin FC 4–1 at Q2 Stadium to complete a 2–0 sweep in the best-of-three first-round series. With a stunning first-half display and sharp finishing, LAFC silenced the Austin crowd and punched their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Lafc Starting XI (Photo Credit: @lafc)
First Half: LAFC Takes Control Early
The match began with intensity as Austin FC looked to use their home crowd to keep the series alive. However, LAFC quickly showed why they are one of MLS’s most dangerous teams.
In the 21st minute, Son Heung-Min broke the deadlock after a fast counterattack led by Denis Bouanga. Son calmly slotted home from close range to give LAFC the early advantage.
Just four minutes later (25’), LAFC doubled their lead. Son turned provider this time, sending a precise cross into the box for Bouanga, who tapped in to make it 2–0.
As Austin struggled to regroup, LAFC struck again before the break. In the 44th minute, Bouanga weaved through the defense and curled a right-footed strike into the far corner for his second of the night, pushing the score to 3–0 and stunning the home supporters.
Austin got a small lifeline just before halftime when Dani Pereira converted a penalty in stoppage time, cutting the deficit to 3–1 and giving the Verde a flicker of hope.
Photo Credit: @Lafc
Second Half: Austin Pushes, LAFC Finishes the Job
Austin came out of the locker room pressing higher and trying to find a quick goal to change the match’s momentum. They believed they had done so in the 71st minute when CJ Fodrey finished off a rebound, but the goal was overturned for offside after a VAR review.
LAFC remained composed and disciplined, maintaining defensive shape and managing the tempo. Veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had already made a key contribution earlier in the match, saving a first-half penalty from Myrto Uzuni that could have shifted the momentum.
In stoppage time, LAFC put the finishing touch on their dominant performance. Substitute Jeremy Ebobisse pounced on a late counterattack in the 90+3 minute, firing home to make it 4–1 and officially end Austin’s season.
Photo Credit: @lafc
Key Performers
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Two goals and an assist; unstoppable in attack and instrumental in building LAFC’s first-half lead.
Son Heung-Min (LAFC): Dynamic all night; scored the opener and set up Bouanga for the second goal.
Hugo Lloris (LAFC): Provided leadership from the back and made a crucial penalty save to preserve LAFC’s momentum.
Dani Pereira (Austin FC): Scored Austin’s only goal from the spot and battled hard in midfield despite being outnumbered.
Tactical Breakdown
LAFC’s Counterattack: Their speed on transition, led by Bouanga and Son, exposed Austin’s defensive line throughout the first half.
Austin’s Defensive Issues: Gaps between center backs and fullbacks left them vulnerable to quick passing combinations.
Game Management: After building a commanding lead, LAFC shifted to control mode, holding possession and frustrating Austin’s late push.
What This Win Means
With the 4–1 victory, LAFC advances to the Western Conference Semifinals, maintaining their streak of reaching the final four in each of the past four seasons. They will face the winner of the Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lakeseries next.
For Austin FC, the loss ends their 2025 campaign. Despite returning to the playoffs, defensive lapses and missed chances ultimately cost them the series. Head coach Josh Wolff will need to focus on rebuilding the squad’s defensive structure heading into next season.
Final Thoughts
LAFC once again demonstrated why they are a powerhouse in Major League Soccer. Their mix of experience, pace, and precision overwhelmed Austin, and their ability to close out matches on the road makes them a serious MLS Cup contender.