Austin FC puts LAFC's winning streak to a halt with late score

Following a six-game winning streak that had LAFC just one point away from the top of the Western Conference, their shorthandedness caught up to them on Sunday. The Black and Gold were defeated 1-0 by Austin FC at Q2 Stadium, suffering a loss for the first time since August 31.

Despite a scoreless battle lasting through the majority of the match, it was ultimately Owen Wolff's 83rd-minute header that broke through to help Austin secure the victory. The goal came via Zan Kolmanic's corner kick, initially deflected off the head of LAFC defender Eddie Segura before ricocheting to Wolff.

For Los Angeles, it was the second consecutive match without the services of both Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, who had accounted for the club's previous 18 goals before taking an absence on international duty.

Despite controlling possession for the majority of the contest, LAFC managed just two shots on goal and struggled to generate a consistent presence on the attacking end. While Austin also managed just a pair of shots on goal, Wolff's header was enough to make the difference and end a three-game skid for the club.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made one save as he conceded the first score by an opponent against Los Angeles since September 21. The club had put together three consecutive clean sheet performances prior to Sunday.

As expected, the absences of Son and Bouanga continued to create opportunities for others to plug into the starting lineup. Jailson made his first start of the season for Los Angeles, while others such as Andy Moran and Jeremy Ebobisse remained in the starting XI for the second consecutive match.

With the loss and Vancouver's 2-1 victory over Orlando on Saturday, LAFC can no longer finish the season with the top spot in the conference. However, they remain just one point behind San Diego for second place as each side has one match remaining.

San Diego will battle a tough Portland Timbers squad that is looking to keep its claim on the seventh postseason spot with hopes of avoiding a potential play-in match. A loss, however, would open the door for LAFC to jump over their in-state rivals and claim second.

The Black and Gold will regroup before their final regular-season showdown against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, October 18. Despite holding 10th in the conference, they remain even in points with ninth-place San Jose for the final play-in spot, desperate for a chance to sneak into the postseason.

International break is set to conclude on October 14, meaning that Los Angeles will regain a big boost of explosiveness as Son and Bouanga return, also joined by Nathan Ordaz and Mathieu Choinière. The contest represents the final chance for LAFC to climb further up the table before their 2025 MLS Cup Playoff run begins.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT.