Late Ordaz strike sees LAFC past Austin in playoff series opener | OneFootball

LAFC left it late but found a way past Austin in the opening match of their MLS Cup playoffs first round series. 

A late Nathan Ordaz winner was enough for Steve Cherundolo's side to take the opening match of the series, but it was certainly tough sledding for the hosts. 

After Ryan Hollingshead forced an own-goal in the opening 20 minutes to give LAFC the lead, Jon Gallagher pulled Austin level in the second-half to throw a wrench in Son and and his mates' plans. 

But after a wave of pressure in the final 15 minutes, LAFC found their winner through second-half substitute Nathan Ordaz, who drifted into the back-post unmarked to tap in a Denis Bouanga shot. 

While there was some dispute on whether Ordaz was onside on the play, the goal ultimately stood to see LAFC take the lead in the series as it heads back to Austin. 

It could be a crucial win for the Black and Gold as teams that secure the win in the first game of the best-of-three have dominated past series. 

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