LAFC Edge Out Austin FC After Late-Game Drama

(Photo Credit: www.mlssoccer.com)

LAFC opened up its Audi MLS Cup Playoffs campaign with a 2-1 win over Austin FC after LAFC forward Nathan Ordaz’s first postseason goal served as the game-winning goal to avoid a penalty shootout.

Ordaz’s game-winning goal displayed his value after recently re-signing to a multi-year contract extension with LAFC through 2029 with an option for 2030. He is the first LAFC homegrown player to score a goal in the playoffs.

“With the contract I am just super happy. It gives me a lot of confidence going into the playoffs - I know that I am here next season,” Ordaz said. “For the [game-winning goal], I just didn’t know if it was going in or not. Once I touched it, I realized I may or may not be onsides. So, I didn’t want to look like a dirtbag honestly.”

After entering the match in the 74th minute, Ordaz gave LAFC a 2-1 lead after nearly taking away a goal contribution from teammate Denis Bouanga due to the possibility of being in an offside position.

After breaking free in the midfield to set a counterattack, LAFC’s Son Heung-min set up a shot for Bouanga towards goal. 

As the ball was heading in the goal, Ordaz was positioned near the goal line and tapped the ball in the goal to give LAFC its first win in the Best-of-3 series.

The Black and Gold found the back of the net early in the match after LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead’s low cross attempt was deflected by Austin FC defender Brendan Hines-Ike to give LA a 1-0 lead off an on-goal in the 20th minute.

“[Austin FC was] stingy with what they gave up. They love being the low block,” Hollingshead said. “There were a lot of moments where we could have been a little bit better in the final pass, the final finish. We need to be a little more street smart there and be more confident.”

In the 63rd minute, Austin FC defender Jon Gallagher scored to tie up the match at 1-1 after a failed clearance by LAFC’s Nkosi Tafari set up the shot right in front of the goal. 

Austin’s Owen Wolff received Tafari’s deflected header and made a quick pass to Gallagher for a one-touch finish. 

Coming into the first round, LAFC's defense finished the MLS regular season tied for the third-best in the league in goals conceded. 

“I was not happy a little bit [with the team playing] too deep defending at times and it looks a little dangerous,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “There could be balls you don’t clear or second balls, hand balls, all those things happen. That comes when you don’t get enough pressure on the ball and when you’re just dropping, and dropping, and dropping.”

LAFC is now 8-3-1 all-time at home in the postseason and have previously beaten Austin in the 2022 Western Conference Final at BMO Stadium.

LAFC will play the second match of the Best-of-3 series against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 7:45 p.m. CT.