The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs kick off on October 30, with Los Angeles FC, the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed after a regular season and 61 points, hosting Austin FC in Game 1 of their Best-of-3 Round One series at BMO Stadium. LAFC vs Austin FC is likely the most captivating matchup in Major League Soccer, held on October 30.
The Black and Gold head into the playoffs unbeaten in eight matches (six wins, two draws), wrapping up their campaign with a 3-1 Decision Day victory over Sporting KC, highlighted by Denis Bouanga’s brace.
However, they face depth challenges with long-term injuries to defender Aaron Long (Achilles) and forward Igor Jesus (cruciate ligament), while midfielder Odin Thiago Holm remains a doubt due to a leg injury.
Austin, the No. 6 seed, barely made it with 48 points (13-11-8) after a wild season finale that saw a 2-0 loss to Vancouver. They’re coming in strong with momentum from three road wins in their last five games, but they’ll be without forward Diego Rubio (hamstring, questionable) and winger Myrto Uzuni (international duty).
Sebastián Driussi’s flair (10 goals, 12 assists) poses a threat to LAFC’s high line, but Steve Cherundolo’s squad, with the West’s second-best home record (10-3-4), looks to secure a strong series start under the LA lights.
LAFC vs Austin FC – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Round One’s Western Conference opener pits LAFC’s attacking firepower (65 goals, fourth in MLS) against Austin’s defensive resolve (37 goals scored, fewest in West) in a matchup laced with playoff pedigree—LAFC chasing a third straight conference final, Austin hunting their first deep run.
The series kicks off on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM PT (10:30 PM ET) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. USA, Canada, and Australian fans, it’s late-night drama—set alarms for the East Coast and early mornings Down Under.
- Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer form: W W W W L D
- Austin FC Major League Soccer form: W L L L W L
Team News and Analysis
The LAFC coach has been outstanding in performance since arriving in 2022, capturing the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in his debut season, and adding the US Open Cup to the team’s achievements last year.
LAFC’s late surge secured home-field edge, but injuries test Cherundolo’s rotation: Aaron Long (Achilles, out until 2026), Ryan Raposo (ankle, late October), Nathan Ordaz (muscle, doubtful), and Odin Thiago Holm (leg, 50/50). Positively, Denis Bouanga (24 goals) and Olivier Giroud (12 goals) are firing, with Hugo Lloris back in net post-knock.
Midfield duo Ilie Sánchez and Timothy Tillman provide steel, enabling a fluid 4-3-3 that averages 1.9 goals at home.
Austin’s mid-table grind earned playoffs via grit, but their attack sputtered late (winless in four before finale). Mikkel Desler (muscle, out until early November) is the main absence, with the rest of the squad available post-international break.
Brandon Vázquez‘s hold-up play and Jáder Obrián’s wing threat spearhead the front, while Brad Stuver anchors a backline conceding 1.4 per game, but road form (6-5-4) invites pressure from LAFC’s press (16 turnovers forced per match).
Analysis: LAFC’s 58% possession should control tempo, exploiting Austin’s transitions, but the visitors’ set-pieces (22% goals) test the depleted defense. Expect a probing first half, with Bouanga’s pace decisive in a playoff nail-biter.
Head-to-Head Record
LAFC dominate this rivalry with 7 wins from 13 meetings to Austin’s 4, plus 2 draws. The Black and Gold have triumphed in four of the last six, including a 2-1 home win in July 2025. Encounters average 2.69 goals, blending high stakes with occasional thrillers.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | LAFC 2-1 Austin FC | 2-1 |
| Mar 16, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | Austin FC 1-3 LAFC | 1-3 |
| Oct 7, 2024 | MLS Regular Season | LAFC 3-2 Austin FC | 3-2 |
| Jun 29, 2024 | MLS Regular Season | Austin FC 1-1 LAFC | 1-1 |
| Sep 3, 2023 | MLS Regular Season | LAFC 2-0 Austin FC | 2-0 |
BMO Stadium favors LAFC (5-1-1 vs. Austin), heightening the playoff pressure.
Predicted XI Lineups
LAFC Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Hollingshead; Delgado, Segura, Jailson; Tillman, Bouanga, Son
Austin FC Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Stuver; Hines-Ike, Djordjevic, Biro; Desler, Sanchez, Pereira, Gallagher; Taylor, Owen Wolff, Obrian
Lineups per Cherundolo and Estévez’s Sunday briefings: LAFC slots Yeboah wide with Olivera central post-Giroud’s summer exit, while Austin unleashes Obrián on the left and Vázquez up top. Subs like Frankie Amaya (LAFC) and Ethan Finlay (Austin) for twists.
Key Players
- LAFC: Denis Bouanga – The Gabonese winger’s explosiveness (24 goals, 10 assists) torments full-backs; his Decision Day brace signals playoff menace against Austin’s right.
- Austin FC: Owen Wolff – The American soccer player pace and finishing (7 goals, 7 assists) drives counters; his vision could unlock LAFC’s injury-hit backline.
Match Prediction
LAFC’s playoff nous and BMO fortress prevail over Austin’s tenacity in a gritty opener, with Bouanga’s flair sealing a slim series lead amid end-to-end action. The visitors threaten via Driussi but falter late. Predicted score: LAFC 2-1 Austin FC. A tense victory launches the Black and Gold’s charge.
Where to Watch (USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe)
Stream LAFC vs Austin FC live with these MLS playoffs picks, optimized for late-night North Americans and early risers elsewhere:
- USA: Exclusive on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass; also FuboTV (7-day free trial, $79.99/month). Starts 10:30 PM ET.
- Canada: Apple TV MLS Season Pass or DAZN Canada ($29.99/month). 10:30 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Begins 3:30 PM AEDT (Monday, October 28).
- Europe: Apple TV MLS Season Pass ; Sky Sports (UK add-on, £14.99/month) for highlights. Local: beIN Sports (France/Spain), Viaplay (Nordics).
Highlights on the MLS app post-match. ExpressVPN navigates geo-blocks. LAFC or Vamos Verde—embrace the playoff fire!