Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) suffered a tough 1-0 defeat to Austin FC at BMO Stadium on March 15, marking their first home loss of the 2025 MLS season. Despite dominating possession and generating more scoring chances, LAFC was unable to find the back of the net, while Austin capitalized on an early set-piece opportunity to secure the victory.
RT A Costly Early Set-Piece Goal
Austin FC took the lead in the 12th minute when defender Guilherme Biro rose above the LAFC backline to head home a corner kick from Owen Wolff. The Brazilian made a well-placed header that snuck inside the far post, leaving veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with no chance to make a save. The goal silenced the home crowd and put LAFC on the back foot early.
Despite conceding early, LAFC controlled much of the match, outshooting Austin 16-10 and holding 57 percent possession. However, the defensive shape and discipline of Austin frustrated the home side, limiting them to just four shots on target.
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Missed Chances and Heroics from Stuver
Denis Bouanga led LAFC forward in search of an equalizer, but Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver stood tall between the posts. The veteran shot-stopper recorded four key saves, including a reflex stop in the 63rd minute to deny the curling effort of Bouanga from the edge of the box.
Head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged the struggles LAFC faced in the final third.
“We created chances, but when you don’t take them, you leave yourself open to results like this. Credit to Austin—they defended well and took their opportunity,” he said.
Defensive Resilience from Austin FC
Austin FC executed a disciplined defensive game plan, clogging passing lanes and preventing LAFC from generating clear-cut opportunities.
Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez praised the resilience of his club.
“I believe that victories like today show everyone the mentality behind this team—what we want to create, how we bounce back after two losses, and how we play at a difficult stadium against a difficult team,” Estévez said.
This win marked the first-ever victory Austin FC had at BMO Stadium, ending a six-game unbeaten streak LAFC had against them.
Looking Ahead
For LAFC, this loss serves as a wake-up call. The Black & Gold had entered the match on a strong run, having scored eight goals in their first three games.
LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman emphasized the importance of bouncing back.
“It’s a long season. We have to learn from this, stay positive, and focus on the next game,” Tillman said.
Up next, LAFC will travel to Children’s Mercy Park on March 22 to face Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, Austin FC will look to build on this momentum when they return home to host Real Salt Lake.
While this loss is a setback, LAFC remains one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference. However, if they want to contend for another MLS Cup, they will need to sharpen their finishing and ensure that defensive lapses do not cost them crucial points in tight matches like this one.
