LAFC vs Austin FC Preview: Exciting Showdown in the 2025 MLS Season

LAFC travels to Austin, Texas, on Sunday for an exciting MLS showdown against Austin FC. This match, originally postponed from July 5 due to severe weather, is part of the 2025 MLS season and serves as a crucial link to potential playoff positions. Both teams have already secured spots in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Team Standings and Recent Form

LAFC comes into the match riding an impressive winning streak of six consecutive victories. They currently hold third place in the Western Conference with 17 wins, 7 losses, 8 draws, and 59 points. Austin FC is in sixth place, with 12 wins, 12 losses, 8 draws, and 44 points. Despite recent defeats, Austin had notable wins against Seattle and Minnesota.

Impact of Missing Players

Both teams will be missing key players due to the FIFA international window. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-Min, Nathan Ordaz, and Mathieu Choinière are absent, collectively having contributed 38 goals and 16 assists. Austin FC striker Myrto Uzuni is also away, alongside several other international players.

LAFC’s recent 2-0 victory over Toronto FC demonstrated their ability to adapt, with Jeremy Ebobisse and Frankie Amaya stepping up to score in the absence of key players.

Key Players to Watch

• LAFC’s Defense: Center backs Nkosi Tafari, Ryan Porteous, and Eddie Segura have been pivotal in maintaining a strong defense, contributing to a run of three straight clean sheets.
• Austin FC’s Goalkeeper: Brad Stuver and fullback Guilherme Biro have been instrumental in Austin’s defensive efforts, with Biro scoring a crucial goal against LAFC earlier this year.
• Young Talent: Austin’s CJ Fodrey and Owen Wolff will be crucial in Uzuni’s absence, bringing youthful energy and creativity to the field.

Match Conditions

The weather forecast anticipates temperatures in the low 90s with around 50 percent humidity, adding an extra challenge to the match. LAFC is on an 11-game unbeaten away streak, the best in MLS this year, but faces fatigue from playing their third game in eight days.

In anticipation, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo emphasized the difficulty of playing in Texas and expects a tough challenge from Austin FC. Meanwhile, LAFC defender Sergi Palencia remains optimistic about extending their winning streak, sustaining their confidence and rhythm ahead of the playoffs.