Los Angeles FC v Austin FC: Wolff still targeting playoff spot

Austin FC may have suffered a disappointing loss last time out, but Josh Wolff is aiming to bounce back against Los Angeles FC to give themselves a playoff chance.

The Black and Verde were beaten 2-1 by Toronto FC at the weekend after failing to find a late equaliser, condemning them to a second consecutive defeat.

Austin currently sit 11th in the Western Conference but are losing ground on the playoff spots as they are 10 points behind Houston Dynamo in seventh.

Wolff admitted that their task is now harder but is determined to make sure his team are still in the conversation come the end of the regular season.

“I think there’s a points total that we have in mind,” Wolff said, “but we need to work on things.

“We’re going to be able to get chances, but the playoffs are still achievable. We have to pick up points and get to the last game with a chance of still getting in.

“We’ve got to take care of our chances in a better way, that’s all.”

Meanwhile, LAFC are winless in three MLS matches, giving up a 2-0 lead against rivals LA Galaxy last time out in a 4-2 defeat.

They still sit second in the table, but the teams below them have closed the gap.

Steve Cherundolo was quick to brush aside Saturday’s defeat, with his sole focus now on picking up three points.

“We’ll try to turn it around as fast as possible to get some points on Wednesday night,” he said.

“We’ll continue to go and hope fatigue doesn’t play more of a part as players continue to get towards full fitness.”

More memories to make #LAFC | @11carlosV pic.twitter.com/mb9bQQihdW

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 17, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC – Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga has scored six career goals against Austin FC in all competitions, tied for the most of any player against them.

Austin FC – Alexander Ring

Austin failed to register a shot on target against Vancouver on August 31 but improved on that despite their loss to Toronto last time out.

While Owen Wolff got the goal at the weekend, Alexander Ring registered the most shots on target with two.

MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN

Los Angeles have won seven of 10 all-time meetings with Austin (D1 L2), though the Verde and Black did manage to take a point when the sides met in league play in Austin on June 19. LAFC have won four of five home matches against Austin (L1), keeping clean sheets in all four wins.

However, LAFC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Houston Dynamo in their last home match. They have never lost two straight regular-season home matches and have failed to score in back-to-back home league matches only once, doing so against Atlanta United and Houston in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Austin have lost eight of their last 13 regular season matches (W3 D2) dating back to late May. Austin had lost only seven times in their previous 23 regular season matches dating back to September 2023 (W7 D9).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC – 66.3%

Draw – 18.4%

Austin FC – 15.3%