Verdict: Total home goals over 1.5
Best odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
The BMO Stadium will host one of the most intriguing ties in the MLS Best-of-Three series as Los Angeles FC welcome Austin FC on Thursday night. Despite a 13-point gap between the sides in the regular season, Austin have already shown they can trouble LAFC, winning both league meetings earlier this year.
For LAFC, this is about redemption and maintaining their reputation as one of the league’s elite under outgoing coach Steve Cherundolo.
Los Angeles FC
LAFC enter the playoffs as Western Conference heavyweights, finishing third after a campaign marked by attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.
Cherundolo, who will leave at the end of the season, has transformed the club since 2022, delivering an MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and US Open Cup. His side boasts the second-best attack in the West with 65 goals and one of the stingiest defenses, conceding just 40.
The Black and Gold thrive at home, winning more matches at BMO Stadium than any other Western team (11). Their ability to dominate possession and strike quickly through dynamic forwards has been key.
However, losing twice to Austin in the regular season raises questions about their adaptability against a disciplined opponent. Expect LAFC to lean on their high press and fluid front line to unsettle the visitors early.
Team News
LAFC will be without Lorenzo Dellavalle, Igor Jesus, and Aaron Long due to injuries, while Odin Thiago Holm remains a doubt.
The spotlight will be on Son Heung-min, who has scored nine goals in nine appearances since his record-breaking arrival, and his partnership with Denis Bouanga—MLS’s second-highest scorer with 24 goals—makes LAFC a formidable attacking force.
Austin FC
Austin return to the playoffs after missing out last season, thanks to Nico Estevez’s pragmatic approach that delivered five more points than in 2024.
Despite finishing sixth, their campaign was built on resilience rather than firepower—they scored just 37 goals, the fewest among playoff teams, and ended with a negative goal difference (-8). Yet, their unbeaten record against LAFC in MLS action, including two wins this year, gives them confidence.
Estevez’s side will likely adopt a compact shape, aiming to frustrate LAFC and strike on the counter through Owen Wolff, who led the team with 15 goal contributions. Defensive discipline and Brad Stuver’s heroics in goal—nine clean sheets and a league-high 128 saves—will be crucial if Austin are to pull off another upset.
Team News
Austin are without Diego Rubio (hamstring) and Brandon Vazquez (ACL), while Osman Bukari is doubtful after missing the last match.
Owen Wolff remains their creative spark, and Stuver’s consistency between the posts will be vital in this high-pressure clash.
Head-to-Head: Austin’s Psychological Edge
Austin have won both regular-season meetings against LAFC and remain unbeaten in MLS action against the Black and Gold. This historical trend adds intrigue to a matchup where LAFC’s superior squad depth will be tested against Austin’s tactical discipline
Conclusion
LAFC’s attacking firepower and home advantage make them favorites, but Austin’s resilience and recent dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored. Expect a tense, tactical battle with moments of brilliance deciding the outcome.
Nonetheless, Son Heung-min’s influence and Bouanga’s finishing should tip the scales for LAFC, though Austin’s defensive grit will keep it close.
Verdict: Total home goals over 1.5
Best odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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