LAFC not willing to risk Game 3 in Austin series, says Tillman

Los Angeles FC midfielder Timothy Tillman believes his side "can't rely on having a third game" in their MLS Cup playoff series against Austin FC.

LAFC took Game 1 with a 2-1 win at BMO Stadium as 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz scored the winner after Jon Gallagher cancelled out Brendan Hines-Ike's own goal.

If Steve Cherundolo's side manage to get the better of Austin in Game 2, they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference semifinals after they knocked out FC Dallas.

Although Tillman, who has provided three assists from midfield this season, anticipates a tough test in Austin, he is fully focused on winning Game 2.

"We can't rely on having a third game," said Tillman following training on Friday.

"We always want to win every single game, so that's what we will try to do. There's no other thought on our minds.

"It's always super hard to play in Austin. I don't know what the weather is going to be like, but they have a good crowd, they have a good field, they have a lot of confidence playing at home.

"We will have to be ready for a good game, a good fight. It's playoff time, so it's a very important one, and it's their last chance."

And Game 1 winner Ordaz added: "They're really organised defensively. They don't give a lot of space for us to play in the middle and go at them.

"A lot of our attacks are based off momentum, and they just kind of try and stay as organised and secure as possible."

Austin suffered a shaky end to the regular season, losing four of their last five games in all competitions (W1), including the US Open Cup final against Nashville SC.

However, their only win in that run came against LAFC at Q2 Stadium in their penultimate match.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Owen Wolff

Owen Wolff delivered an assist in Game 1, and he has now recorded a goal contribution in four consecutive MLS matches (regular season and playoffs).

There has been only one longer such streak by an Austin player in MLS matches: an 11-game run by Sebastian Driussi in 2022.

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Both Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min notched assists on Ordaz's goal in LAFC's 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

Since August 23, LAFC have scored 23 non-own goals, and in that time, Bouanga (10 goals, three assists) and Son (nine goals, two assists) have a combined 24 goal contributions.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

LAFC have won nine of their 13 MLS Cup playoff games (D1, including a penalty shootout win, L3) since the beginning of 2022. That is three more playoff victories than any other MLS club in that time (LA Galaxy – six).

However, Austin are unbeaten at home in the MLS Cup playoffs (W1 D1) while losing both of their road playoff games.

Sunday will be Austin's first home game since a 1-0 win against LAFC in October, as this marks the first time the Verde have played the same team in consecutive home matches (all competitions).

While LAFC have only won five of their 11 regular-season matches with Austin (D2 L4), they have won all three of the other meetings (2022 playoffs, 2024 Leagues Cup Round of 32 and Game 1 Wednesday).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 28.6%

Draw – 24.4%

Los Angeles FC – 47%