The playoff race is upon us. Tonight we have what is probably going to be the most electric match in all of MLS. Austin FC play host to LAFC in a battle for the top of the Western Conference. LAFC top the west with 57 points and Austin is firmly in second place with 48 points. LAFC can pretty much lock up the one seed with a win tonight. Austin can pull within 6 points of first if they handle their business at home. My heart says back Austin at home, but I think I will shy away from picking a side on this one. It’s Friday night, it’s MLS after dark, so you already know I love goals.
Both of these teams have elite offencies. Austin and LAFC have each netted 55 goals this season. LAFC have been better defensively allowing only 26 goals in 26 games. Austin has allowed 36 goals to hit the back of their net, and unfortunately a lot of them have been coming in recently. Austin will have to tighten up tonight if they want to win this game. LAFC is fresh off a majorly disappointing road loss to San Jose. Austin is coming off a disappointing road loss in Minnesota as well. Both teams lost 2-1 and will look to bounce back tonight.
For LAFC there's no shortage of talent. Cristian Arango has been a man on fire scoring three goals and assisting two in his last four matches. He has twelve goals and five assists on the year. Bale is still coming off the bench, but I don’t think I have to cover his credentials or talent level. I may have a vendetta against Bale, but he is still certified world class.
For Austin’s side, they have who I believe should be the MLS MVP, in Sebastian Driussi. Driussi has eighteen goals this year and leads the MLS. He also has seven assists. However you want to slice it, 25 goal contributions is outstanding. I will absolutely be taking my MVP for a goal tonight.
Austin got the best of LAFC in their only head to head matchup this year back in May. Both teams have made a lot of changes to their tactics and roster since. I can not wait for this match and if you are a football fan at any level, this is must see TV.