LAFC in crisis as Austin FC looks to expose a shocking weakness | OneFootball

Los Angeles FC hosts Austin FC this Saturday at BMO Stadium in what promises to be a high-octane match that will take both sides to the limit in the MLS campaign. While Black & Gold look to recover from two consecutive defeats, the visitors aim to justify a massive spend on signings that have so far failed to deliver.

LAFC started the season as one of the favorites to lift the MLS Cup, fueled by dominating performances and a lineup of stars. But recent fumbles have raised concerns. The humiliating 5-2 loss to Seattle Sounders and the Concacaf Champions Cup ousting by Columbus Crew suggested that the team is not unbeatable.

In the meantime, Austin FC is agitated. With more than $22 million spent on signings like Brandon Vázquez and Myrto Uzuni, Nico Estévez's side yet to show a winning attack. Three matches, one goal scored. But who comes into the league with more on its back? LAFC, with a desire to reclaim dominance and maintain its unbeaten streak intact at BMO Stadium? Or Austin, which has to prove its multi-million dollar acquisitions were worth every penny?

LAFC has to answer before it's too late

What's the destiny of Los Angeles FC? They were invincible two games ago. But back-to-back defeats took the air out of their sails. The first downturn was felt in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Even after advancing to quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate win over Columbus Crew, the second-leg loss exposed defensive flaws that Steve Cherundolo is concerned about. Things only got worse a few days later.

That 5-2 collapse against Seattle Sounders, a direct Western Conference rival, not only hurt in the morale department, it raised serious concerns about the depth of the team when rotations need to be made.

The good news for Black & Gold fans? The team is back home, where they have yet to lose this season and have not conceded a single goal in four games.

Second, Denis Bouanga is still the team's go-to point of reference. MLS MVP nominee for last season has scored in the past three games and is still LAFC's main attacking tool. With Cengiz Ünder making his debut, who was brought in from Fenerbahçe and already has an assist to his name, the team is now better prepared up front.

Austin FC and the early struggles of an expensive attack

Austin FC remains an enigma. The team is not a disaster, but not impressing in the least. The signings materialized, the money was spent in droves, but the attack is not scoring.

Brandon Vázquez, the team's self-avowed attacking talisman, is yet to score his first goal. Myrto Uzuni, a seasoned goalscorer, is yet to leave his imprint. And Osman Bukari, the third wheel in this bandwagon, looks out of sync.

The expectation was a lethal front line, but that has yet to happen. In defense, however, Austin FC has been strong, conceding just two goals in three games. The downside? The woeful attack puts the defense in perpetual strain.

Against Colorado Rapids, for example, Austin dominated possession, created more shots on goal, and won the battle of xG, but still lost 1-0. Coach Nico Estévez is convinced that his offense is going to start clicking. But when? MLS has no patience for disappointing teams, and if Austin keeps dropping points, it can find itself in trouble before the season even gets going.

LAFC has history on its side, but there are cracks through which surprises can happen

If anything's working for LAFC, it's their head-to-head against Austin FC. Black & Gold has won six of the last ten meetings, including a 3-0 victory in the 2022 Western Conference Final.

LAFC is also undefeated in its last six meetings with Austin overall. The two MLS matches last season ended in 1-1 draws, but LAFC won the Leagues Cup match by a 2-0 score.

However, despite LAFC dominating, Austin has weaknesses to exploit. The home team's fatigue, after two gritty matches against Columbus and Seattle, could be an issue. If Austin's defense holds up and their offense is able to finally get into a rhythm, they can exploit a fatigued LAFC side.