Austin FC 1-0 Los Angeles FC: Wolff strikes late to secure automatic playoff spot

Austin FC clinched an automatic playoff spot after defeating high-flying Los Angeles FC 1-0 at Q2 Stadium.

Owen Wolff’s winner seven minutes from time separated the two sides in the end, guaranteeing a sixth-place finish for Austin while LAFC can no longer top the Western Conference.

The match largely lacked attacking quality, highlighted by just four shots on target, as both sides were missing their top scorers due to international duty.

Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min were away for LAFC, while Myrto Uzuni is representing Albania during their World Cup qualifiers.

Although it seemed like both sides would have to settle for a draw, Wolff headed home from close range after a corner was kindly deflected into his path at the back post.

“It's a great feeling,” the 20-year-old told MLS Season Pass.

“It's to the fans as well. They come out every night and support us every single game, no matter how it goes. So, it's for them as well.

“Usually I'm on [corner kicks] so I'm just trying to find any type of space. Luckily, I'm at the right place at the right time.”

Data Debrief: Rare misfire for LAFC

LAFC saw both their six-game winning run and 10-match scoring streak come to an end in a quiet encounter in Austin.

The visitors produced just 0.24 expected goals (xG) from five shots to Austin’s 0.47 from three attempts, the lowest number of shots either side have registered in the league this season.

Austin are now unbeaten in their last 33 games when taking the lead in MLS, dating back to a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo in May 2023, and have avoided defeat in four consecutive league games against LAFC (W2, D2).