MLS Multiplex
Fansided

LAFC and Austin FC Clash in the Round of 32 of the Leagues Cup

Two Titans Ready for Battle at BMO Stadium

By Arthur Fernandes

Jul 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (99) celebrates a game tying goal by midfielder Mateusz Bogusz (19, bottom) during the second half against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Denis Bouanga (99) celebrates a game tying goal by midfielder Mateusz Bogusz (19, bottom) during the second half against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

This Wednesday, August 7th, LAFC faces off against Austin FC at BMO Stadium in a duel that will determine who advances to the Round of 16 in the 2024 Leagues Cup. This tournament, already dubbed the "World Cup of the Americas," brings together all 47 teams from Liga MX and MLS.

LAFC, with a solid campaign so far, secured its spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Despite not winning, late goals from Kei Kamara and Mateusz Bogusz earned the necessary point to advance. The Los Angeles team, famous for its aggressive and engaging playing style, has an impressive track record against Austin FC: six wins, two losses, and one draw. The last encounter between these two teams was an electrifying 1-1 draw, with a late goal from Kamara, showing that the team never gives up until the final whistle.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

On the other hand, we have Austin FC, a team that's been growing and proving its worth, especially in the 2024 Leagues Cup. Austin finished first in the West 1 group, surpassing Mexican giants like Pumas UNAM and C.F. Monterrey. Under the leadership of Josh Wolff, the green and black team is determined to use this positive campaign to boost their performance in MLS, where they currently sit tenth in the Western Conference with 31 points in 25 matches.

Sebastián Driussi and Jáder Obrian are the names to watch at Austin FC. Driussi, with his five goals and two assists in MLS, is a driving force in the attack, while Obrian, with similar stats, is a constant threat.

So, what can we expect from this epic showdown? For LAFC, the key to victory lies in dictating the pace of the game and scoring first. The team has an impressive record at BMO Stadium, with three wins, no draws, and one loss in the Leagues Cup over the last two years, with a goal difference of 14-1. If they can impose their game and make Austin chase the result, their chances of winning increase significantly. However, LAFC's defense will face a tough test against a diverse attack that has scored five goals with five different players in this tournament.

For Austin FC, the mission is clear: keep up the momentum and don't be intimidated by the opposing crowd. Although they have a poor record against LAFC, recent victories against Pumas and Monterrey have given the team the confidence they need to believe they can keep advancing. If they can replicate the performance of their last games and stay focused, they might surprise and advance to the next round.

For LAFC, it's a chance to reaffirm their position as one of the giants of American soccer, while for Austin FC, it's an opportunity to show that their rise is real and that they can compete on equal footing with the best.

Who will advance to the Round of 16 in the 2024 Leagues Cup? Will LAFC maintain their dominance, or will Austin FC continue their surprising journey?

feed

Home/CONCACAF