Austin FC v Los Angeles FC: Cherundolo asks for patience in attack

Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo wants more cohesion and patience in the final third from his attackers.

LAFC returned to MLS action after their Club World Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Despite having 63% of possession, over twice as many shots as Vancouver and restricting them to just one shot on target, LAFC could not get the win against their Western Conference rivals.

Cherundolo was disappointed with LAFC's presence in the final third and hopes for more cohesion going forward.

"With the exception of one play, I think the guys defended ok," said Cherundolo.

"Offensively, it just looked impatient. It looked rushed, un-LAFC-like in terms of unpositional integrity goes and those were the words I shared with the boys a few minutes ago.

"We have a way of attacking and doing things, and, yes, we have individuals, and we count on their creativity at certain times.

"Our attack looked very individual tonight instead of a group. We were lacking one or more passes in the final third."

Olivier Giroud played his last match for LAFC in the defeat. Cherundolo appreciated Giroud's impact both on and off the pitch.

Cherundolo added: "His time here, he was able to share that with a lot of the younger players, and a lot of our players in general. With us coaches too.

“We thank him for that. We thank him for all of his knowledge and experience he has openly shared with LAFC. And, of course, his effort on the field."

LAFC face Austin FC next in MLS. Both teams are on 26 points in the West, with the visitors sitting two places above Austin in seventh. However, Cherundolo's side have played three fewer matches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Brandon Vazquez

Brandon Vazquez has been a key performer for Austin this season. He leads the club with five goals, three of which have been the critical first in the match.

Vazquez recorded a team-leading three shots, all in the box, against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday. It was Vazquez's sixth game this season with at least three shot attempts inside the box – the rest of Austin have combined for four such games this season.

Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga has been the leading attacking threat for LAFC, netting on eight occasions.

The Gabon forward has also registered four assists this season in MLS, also a team-high.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

Austin lost to Seattle, 2-0, last time out, their eighth time being shut out this season after being held scoreless 10 times last year. Those 18 games without scoring in the league since the start of last season are tied with CF Montreal for the most in MLS. 

LAFC have seven wins compared to Austin's three in the all-time series between these teams (D2), including eliminating Austin in the 2022 playoffs and in the 2024 Leagues Cup. However, Austin won the last matchup between the teams, 1-0, in Los Angeles in March this season.

Austin have four wins, four draws, and two losses this season in 10 MLS contests on home soil. Austin will be out to prolong a four-match MLS home unbeaten streak dating to May 15 against Atlanta United.

In their last six league matches, Austin have won two, drawn two and lost two. LAFC, meanwhile, have won two, drawn three and lost one in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 31.5%

Draw – 25.3%

Los Angeles FC – 43.2%