LAFC vs Austin FC – September 18, 2024
The LAFC vs Austin FC game on Wednesday night ended in a 1-1 draw as LAFC’s David Martinez’s lone goal was able to help the Black and Gold record one point to improve their record to 14-7-7 with 49 points. LAFC is now sitting in third place in the Western Conference as they hunt for the Supporters’ Shield.
The first half almost came to a shutout on both sides until Austin FC’s Jáder Rafael Obrian snuck in a goal one minute into stoppage time. First on the play, Osman Bukari was free in the right wing, then found Obrian sitting pretty within the center of the box. After two touches, Obrian sent a low shot into the corner of the net to give the visiting team a 1-0 lead as the clocked ticked down to halftime.
LAFC swapped in David Martinez and Ilie Sanchez after the break and immediately benefitted from the switch when Martinez equalized the match. Eduard Atuesta trickled down toward the box and found Hollingshead on the left side of the penalty box, who then crossed it over inside to Martinez for the score in the 62nd minute of the match. Martinez’s goal was his second of the season. His first dated all the way back to March 30 against the Colorado Rapids.
The ball didn’t find the back of the net for the remaining 32 minutes as LAFC outshot Austin FC 13-10 with a 6-3 advantage on shots on target. The Black and Gold are now undefeated versus the Verde and Gold across their last six meets, dating all the way back to the memorable 2022 Western Conference Final.
On Saturday, September 21, LAFC will travel to Texas to take on FC Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup Final.
