Los Angeles Football Club vs Austin Fc Picks and Predictions March 15th 2025

LAFC Hope to Tighten Defense with Goal-Hungry Austin Up Next

Los Angeles FC look to bounce back from a pair of shaky defensive performances when they host Austin FC in MLS action on Saturday afternoon.

LAFC Seeking Defensive Stability

LAFC (2-1-0, 6 points) started the season strong with back-to-back shutouts but were exposed in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Sounders last weekend. The defensive struggles continued in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew in CONCACAF Champions Cup play, though LAFC advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a 4-2 aggregate score.

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Denis Bouanga salvaged some pride with a stoppage-time goal against Columbus, but coach Steve Cherundolo wasn’t pleased with his team’s lackluster effort.

“It is not my job as a coach to motivate the players,” Cherundolo said. “They are professional athletes, and motivation has to come from within.”

LAFC will need a much sharper effort to avoid a second straight MLS defeat.

Austin FC Looking for an Offensive Spark

Austin FC (1-2-0, 3 points) have played three consecutive 1-0 games, winning their opener but losing their last two, including a frustrating home defeat to the Colorado Rapids last weekend.

Myrto Uzuni nearly equalized in the first half, but his header struck the crossbar, leaving Austin still searching for more offensive production.

Can LAFC Reclaim Defensive Dominance?

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Coach Nico Estevez knows the challenge ahead against an LAFC team that remains one of the league’s most dangerous.

“We play against one of the top teams in the entire league,” Estevez said. “One of the teams that is consistent and fights hard. … They are a big team in the league.”

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A Measuring Stick Match

For Austin, facing LAFC is an opportunity to gauge their progress under Estevez, who is in his first season at the helm.

“We can challenge ourselves,” Estevez said. “We can see where we’re at and we go there and compete and do our best.”

Last season, LAFC won the only meeting at home 2-0 in the Leagues Cup, while their two MLS clashes ended in 1-1 draws.