LAFC vs Austin [Game 1]

LAFC took the first step toward another deep MLS Cup Playoff run on Wednesday night, edging Austin FC 2-1 in Game 1 of their Best-of-3 Round One series at BMO Stadium. Nathan Ordaz, the 21-year-old homegrown forward, scored his first-ever postseason goal in the 79th minute, breaking a deadlock and giving the Black & Gold a crucial series lead heading to Q2 Stadium on Sunday.

The opening half was controlled by LAFC, who looked to set the tone early. Ryan Hollingshead’s clever cutback in the 20th minute resulted in a fortuitous own goal from Austin defender Brendan Hines-Ike, putting the home side ahead. Despite dominating possession — 62% in the first half — LAFC couldn’t extend their advantage, leaving the door open for a second-half response.

Austin made LAFC pay for missed chances in the 63rd minute. After Nkosi Tafari’s clearance attempt was blocked, Myrto Uzuni nudged the ball to Owen Wolff, who set up Jon Gallagher for a simple finish at the back post. Suddenly, the game was level at 1-1, and the prospect of penalty kicks loomed if neither side could find a winner.

That’s when LAFC’s dynamic duo of Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga stepped in, not on the scoresheet themselves, but as creators. In the 79th minute, Son drew multiple defenders and slipped a diagonal ball to Bouanga, whose low shot was deflected toward goal. Ordaz, reading the play perfectly, arrived at the back post to tap the ball in, securing the decisive goal. A brief VAR review confirmed he was onside, cementing his place as the first LAFC homegrown player to score in the playoffs.

“It was a huge relief,” Ordaz said afterward. “Being part of a playoff-winning moment is what you dream of as a homegrown player. Helping in playoffs means a lot.”

The win improves LAFC’s playoff record to 10-6-1 overall, including 9-3-1 under head coach Steve Cherundolo. It also marks their third consecutive Game 1 victory in the Best-of-3 Round One format, maintaining their strong home-field advantage with a near-capacity crowd of 22,142 on hand.

Looking ahead, LAFC aims to avoid the stress of a Game 3 by closing out the series on the road in Austin. Sunday’s Game 2 at Q2 Stadium will be a test, especially considering Austin swept LAFC in the regular season. Hollingshead emphasized the team’s confidence: “Playoff football is different. We can go anywhere and win if we bring our best.”

While the match didn’t feature a flurry of goals, it showcased LAFC’s depth and ability to rely on unexpected heroes. Ordaz’s timely finish, combined with Son and Bouanga’s creativity, put the Black & Gold in a strong position to advance and continue their pursuit of MLS Cup glory.