Los Angeles FC and Austin FC will meet again on the West Coast on Wednesday, six weeks after a clash outside of MLS play showed just how far the gap between the two teams has grown.
In a Leagues Cup match on Aug. 7, LAFC earned a 2-0 home victory over Austin FC to make their way into the Round of 16 of the tournament. Wednesday’s rematch will again be played on Los Angeles’ home field.
Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera each scored a goal in the previous meeting, the second between the teams this year after they played to a 1-1 tie in MLS play at Austin on June 19.
LAFC (14-7-6, 48 points) have been busy since last facing Austin FC, advancing all the way to the Leagues Cup final, where they lost to the Columbus Crew. They have gone 4-3-1 across all competitions since Aug. 13.
The club on Monday announced the return of forward Carlos Vela, 35, a franchise legend and the 2019 MLS MVP. Reinforcements could help, as Los Angeles has gone 0-2-1 since Aug. 31 and blew a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss to the rival LA Galaxy on Saturday.
“It’s not because of the history of this rivalry (and) it’s not because we were at their place,” LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez said, according to the Orange County Register. “The only explanation … is that we didn’t do our jobs. We were not ourselves in the second half and lost the game.”
Austin FC (9-12-7, 34 points) have been far less busy since last colliding with LAFC, playing three times in nearly six weeks. They have lost twice, including a 2-1 defeat at Toronto FC on Saturday. Austin received a late goal from Owen Wolff in the loss.
Austin FC coach Josh Wolff was upset about missed goal-scoring opportunities.
“There were plenty of chances in both halves, but the playoffs are still achievable,” said Josh Wolff, whose team is five points below the playoff line in the Western Conference. “We want to arrive at that last game (of the regular season) with the ability to win to get in.”
Sebastian Driussi and Jader Obrian lead Austin FC with five goals apiece. Bouanga leads LAFC with 17 goals and is tied for second in MLS. Teammate Mateusz Bogusz has 14 goals.
–Field Level Media