Austin FC vs Los Angeles FC – MLS Western Conference Clash
Austin FC
Manager: Josh Wolff
Conference Position: 6th (Western)
Founded: 2018
VS
MLS Regular Season
Saturday, 22 June 2024 | 19:30 CST
Q2 Stadium, Austin
Los Angeles FC
Manager: Steve Cherundolo
Conference Position: 2nd (Western)
MLS Cups: 1
🎵 MLS's Newest Rivalry
⭐ Marquee Names Collide
📊 Western Conference Standings
🚀 Expansion Success Stories
🩹 Team News & Injuries
Match Preview
The vibrant Q2 Stadium in Austin sets the stage for a thrilling Western Conference clash as Austin FC welcome Los Angeles FC in a matchup that pits two of MLS's most successful expansion franchises against each other. Josh Wolff's Verde, fueled by their passionate home support, face Steve Cherundolo's star-studded LAFC side that boasts both MLS Cup pedigree and international star power. This encounter features contrasting styles: Austin's organized, pressing system against LAFC's free-flowing, attacking philosophy. With both teams featuring elite Designated Players and two of the league's best atmospheres, this promises to be an entertaining showcase of modern MLS soccer.
🔍 Tactical Battle
Austin FC Approach
High-intensity press, organized defensive blocks, quick transitions, set-piece threat, home fortress mentality
LAFC Strategy
Possession-dominant, attacking fluidity, high defensive line, creative freedom, star-powered attack
Key Players & Stats
Sebastián Driussi
Attacking Midfielder | Austin FC- ⚽ Goals: 9
- 🎯 Assists: 5
- 📊 Appearances: 16
Denis Bouanga
Forward | Los Angeles FC- ⚽ Goals: 12
- 🎯 Assists: 4
- 📊 Appearances: 17
Recent Form
Austin FC
Last 5 MLS matches:
Austin have been strong at home, with Q2 Stadium becoming one of MLS's toughest venues for visitors.
Los Angeles FC
Last 5 MLS matches:
LAFC have been in excellent form, establishing themselves as Western Conference title contenders.
Head to Head Record
All-Time MLS Meetings
Austin Wins
2
Draws
1
LAFC Wins
3
LAFC have the historical edge, but Austin have proven tough to beat at Q2 Stadium.
Club Histories
Austin FC
- Founded in 2018, Austin FC made an immediate impact upon joining MLS in 2021.
- Reached the Western Conference Final in just their second season (2022), stunning the league.
- Q2 Stadium has set new standards for soccer-specific stadium atmosphere and design.
- The "Verde" fanbase has created one of MLS's most passionate and vibrant supporter cultures.
Los Angeles FC
- Founded in 2014, LAFC began MLS play in 2018 and quickly became a league powerhouse.
- Won the MLS Cup in 2022 and Supporters' Shield in 2019, establishing immediate success.
- Banc of California Stadium (now BMO Stadium) revolutionized downtown LA sports landscape.
- Known for their star-studded roster and global appeal, attracting elite international talent.
Expansion Legacy Showdown
Blueprint for Modern MLS Success
This matchup represents the gold standard for MLS expansion franchises in the modern era. Los Angeles FC set the blueprint for immediate success, combining world-class facilities, strategic roster construction, and a global brand to become instant contenders. Their ability to attract elite international talent like Carlos Vela, Giorgio Chiellini, and Hugo Lloris while maintaining a distinct playing philosophy has made them a model franchise.
Austin FC represents the next evolution of expansion success. While following LAFC's blueprint in many ways, they've added their own unique Texas flavor - building one of the league's most passionate supporter cultures and creating an immediate connection with their community. Their rapid rise to Western Conference relevance demonstrates that sustained success is achievable for well-run expansion clubs.
The contrast in styles makes this particularly intriguing: Austin's organized, pressing system built around Sebastián Driussi's creativity versus LAFC's free-flowing, star-powered attack led by Denis Bouanga. With both teams featuring elite Designated Players and two of MLS's best atmospheres, this clash serves as a showcase of what modern MLS soccer can offer - passionate local support combined with international quality and entertainment value.