Austin FC returns to Q2 Stadium trailing 2–1 after a gritty Game 1 loss at BMO Stadium on October 29. LAFC edged the first match thanks to an early deflected goal and a late strike from Nathan Ordaz, while Jon Gallagher pulled Austin level in the second half. Austin FC vs LAFC 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Game winner will advantage for the Conference Semi-finals will start from 22 November.
With the series tied on aggregate heading into the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs second leg, Austin needs to overcome a one-goal deficit at home to push the match to a decider.
The Verde, No. 6 seed clinching playoffs on October 5 via results elsewhere, showed resilience in their regular-season double over LAFC (1-0 home/away) but faltered on the finish. Josh Wolff’s side eyes a reversal with a near-full squad— Diego Rubio (hamstring, mid-November) and Brandon Vázquez (ACL, March 2026) remain out, but no fresh concerns post-rest.
LAFC, No. 3 seed cruising with a 2-1 win, travel depleted: Odin Holm (leg, mid-November), Aaron Long (Achilles, season-ending), Lorenzo Dellavalle (right leg, out), and Adam Saldana (right leg, out). Steve Cherundolo’s Black & Gold boast playoff pedigree (conference finals last three years), but Austin’s home grit (6-4-3, 1.4 goals/game) could force a decider.
Austin FC vs LAFC Match Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Round One’s Game 2 contrasts Austin’s counters (1.3 goals away average) with LAFC’s possession (58%) in a high-stakes Western tilt. The action ignites on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT) at Q2 Stadium, Austin. USA/Canada fans, evening prime; Aussies, early Monday.
Predictions:
Austin 1-1 draw (aggregate 2-2, Game 3)—home edge tempers LAFC’s attack amid injuries, but Black & Gold’s depth nicks a point. This Austin FC vs LAFC preview covers playoffs pulse, streams, and stats. If Austin won every regular-season matchup against LAFC.
Team News and Analysis
Austin’s playoff clinch on October 5 showcased resilience in Game 1 with 12 shots (4 on target), though conversion issues remain. Rubio and Vázquez are sidelined (hamstring/ACL), but the squad is otherwise complete. Gyasi Zardes (4 goals) leads the attack, with Sebastián Driussi (10 goals, 12 assists) staying post-transfer rumors, orchestrating play. Wolff’s 4-2-3-1 setup generates 12 turnovers per game, setting the stage for LAFC’s transitions.
LAFC’s 2-1 opener, with goals from Ordaz and an own goal, hides key absences: Holm, Jesus, Long, Dellavalle, and Saldaña sidelined due to leg, knee, and Achilles issues.
Denis Bouanga (24 goals) is back in form post-international duty. Cherundolo’s 4-3-3 system (62% possession) thrives on set plays (25% of goals), but their shaky road record (5-3-5) leaves them vulnerable to pressure.
Analysis:
Austin’s Q2 roar (6 wins in 13) vs. LAFC’s grit; counters target depleted defense. Tense tie, extra-time possible—Verde level aggregate.
Austin FC vs LAFC 2025 Head-to-Head Record
LAFC holds an 8-4-2 overall record, though Austin swept the 2025 regular season with two 1-0 wins. However, Game 1 turned the tide as LAFC secured a 2-1 victory. Matches tend to be tight, averaging 2.3 goals, with 60% finishing under 2.5 goals.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2025 | MLS Playoffs | LAFC 2-1 Austin FC | 2-1 |
| Oct 12, 2025 | MLS Regular | Austin FC 1-0 LAFC | 1-0 |
| Jul 13, 2025 | MLS Regular | Austin FC 1-0 LAFC | 1-0 |
| Oct 7, 2024 | MLS Regular | LAFC 3-2 Austin FC | 3-2 |
| Jun 29, 2024 | MLS Regular | Austin FC 1-1 LAFC | 1-1 |
Austin remains unbeaten at Q2 Stadium against LAFC, boasting a record of two wins and one draw.
Austin FC vs LAFC Predicted XI Lineups
Austin FC Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Stuver; Cascante, Hines-Ike, Biro; Desler, Sanchez, Pereira, Gallagher; Obrian, Uzuni, Wolff
LAFC Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Burgess, Hollingshead; Choiniere, Amaya, Delgado; Tillman, Heung-min, Bouanga
Wolff/Cherundolo updates: Austin has Zardes leading the attack without Vazquez; LAFC positions Yeboah out wide and Olivera central (Giroud departed in summer 25). Substitutions: Finlay (Austin), Amaya (LAFC).
Key Players
- Austin FC: Jáder Obrián – Winger’s pace (8 goals, 7 assists); 3.1 dribbles/game carves LAFC’s left for counters.
- LAFC: Denis Bouanga – Forward’s explosiveness (24 goals, 10 assists); top speed (34 km/h) punishes Austin’s backline.
Austin FC vs LAFC Match Prediction
Austin’s home bite and Obrián’s flair match LAFC’s class in a playoff nail-biter, grinding a draw to force Game 3 amid set-piece scraps. Black & Gold threaten, but Verde holds.
- Predicted score: Austin FC 1-1 LAFC (aggregate 2-2, Game 3 Nov 9). Decider at BMO.
Where to Watch Austin FC vs LAFC 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Stream Austin FC vs LAFC live with MLS playoffs options:
MLS app highlights, ExpressVPN for geo-unlocking, and playoff parity—Vamos Verde or Black & Gold!
| Country | Tv Broadcating |
|---|---|
| USA | Apple TV MLS Season Pass; FuboTV. 7:00 PM ET |
| Canada | DAZN or RDS. 7:00 PM ET |
| Australia | beIN Sports. 10:00 AM AEDT (Nov 3) |
| Europe | Apple TV MLS Season Pass; Sky Sports. beIN (France/Spain), DAZN (Germany/Italy) |