LAFC Falls 1-0 to Austin FC at Home, Dropping to 2-2-0 in MLS Play

Los Angeles, CA – March 15, 2025 – Los Angeles FC (LAFC) suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Austin FC on Saturday afternoon at BMO Stadium, ending their perfect home record in the 2025 MLS season. The loss, which came yesterday on March 15, marked LAFC’s first shutout at home this year and dropped their record to 2-2-0, while Austin FC improved to 2-2-0 with their first road victory of the campaign. Guilherme Biro’s early header proved the difference, as LAFC struggled to break down a resolute Austin defense despite dominating possession and chances.

Ilie Sánchez leading his team through pre-match greetings

A Frustrating Afternoon at BMO Stadium

The match kicked off at 12:45 p.m. PT with LAFC looking to build on their recent CONCACAF Champions Cup success, where they advanced past the Columbus Crew with a 4-2 aggregate win earlier in the week. However, any momentum from that midweek triumph evaporated quickly. In the 12th minute, Austin FC capitalized on a set-piece opportunity. Homegrown midfielder Owen Wolff delivered a precise corner kick into the box, and defender Guilherme Biro rose above the LAFC backline to head the ball past a diving Hugo Lloris, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The goal stunned the BMO Stadium crowd and set the tone for a frustrating day. LAFC, who had outscored opponents 6-0 in their previous four home matches across all competitions this season, found themselves chasing the game against an Austin side that had scored just once in their prior three MLS outings. Despite the early setback, LAFC controlled the ball, finishing with 16 shots to Austin’s 10, but failed to convert their dominance into goals.

Bouanga calling for backup from his teammate in the dying minutes of 1st half!

Missed Opportunities and a Stout Austin Defense

LAFC’s attack, featuring new signing Cengiz Ünder in his first start for the club, showed flashes of promise but lacked the finishing touch. Ünder, alongside Denis Bouanga and Jeremy Ebobisse, created chances, but Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver stood tall, making three key saves to secure his second clean sheet of the season. The Verde & Black’s defense, anchored by Biro and a disciplined backline, parked the bus after taking the lead, frustrating LAFC’s attempts to penetrate.

One of the game’s turning points came in the second half when LAFC thought they had equalized, only for a potential goal to be waved off after a VAR review. The decision further sapped the home side’s momentum, and despite a late flurry of pressure, they couldn’t find a way past Stuver. Austin’s game plan—absorb pressure and hit on the counter—worked to perfection, ending LAFC’s six-game unbeaten streak against them dating back to the 2022 Western Conference Final.

Ilie Sanchez giving a pass the ball between LAFC Delgado and Tillman

A Sentimental Subplot

Adding an emotional layer to the match was the return of Ilie Sánchez to BMO Stadium. The veteran midfielder, who captained LAFC in 2024 and was an MLS All-Star with the club in 2022, faced his former team for the first time since joining Austin in the offseason. Sánchez, a fan favorite during his three-year stint with LAFC, received a warm reception from the crowd but showed no sentimentality on the pitch, helping Austin secure the upset victory.

Bouanga dribbling into Austin FC 18 box

What Went Wrong for LAFC?

The loss exposed some early-season vulnerabilities for LAFC. Coming off a grueling stretch of eight matches in 26 days across MLS and CONCACAF play, fatigue may have played a role. Head coach Steve Cherundolo’s decision to start his first-choice XI, rather than rotate after Tuesday’s match in Columbus, didn’t pay off as the team lacked sharpness in the final third. Posts on X reflected fan frustration, with some calling it an “underwhelming performance” and others questioning tactical choices against a low-block defense.

LAFC’s inability to capitalize on their 16 shots—only three of which were on target—highlighted a rare off-day for their usually potent attack. Bouanga, who scored three goals across the two legs against Columbus, was kept quiet, and Ebobisse couldn’t replicate his recent scoring form. The defeat ended a run of four straight home wins to start 2025, a stark contrast to their earlier dominance at BMO Stadium.

Referee giving a goal kick call to an assumed corner kick for LAFC

Austin’s Road Redemption

For Austin FC, the win was a statement. After a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids the previous week, they bounced back with a disciplined performance. Biro’s goal—his first of the season—came off Wolff’s second assist of the year, marking the young midfielder’s 100th appearance for the club across all competitions. Stuver’s 30th career shutout (29th with Austin) underscored his reliability, while the team’s defensive resolve silenced doubters who pointed to their lackluster attack entering the match.

Bouanga cornered by Austin FC players in the dying minutes of first half

Looking Ahead

The loss leaves LAFC in fifth place in the Western Conference with six points, while Austin climbs to mid-table with six points of their own. LAFC now heads on the road to face Sporting Kansas City next Saturday, March 22, aiming to rebound before their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter final clash with Inter Miami CF in early April. Austin, meanwhile, will host league newcomers San Diego FC on Sunday, March 23, looking to build on this momentum.

For LAFC, yesterday’s defeat to Austin FC was a rare stumble at home, but with a busy schedule ahead, they’ll need to regroup quickly. As one X user put it, “We should be ashamed of ourselves”—a sentiment that may linger until the Black & Gold respond on the pitch.

LAFC’s next match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. PT on March 22, available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, 710 AM ESPN, and 980 AM La Mera Mera.