LAFC Battles Austin FC in High-Stakes MLS Cup Playoff Opener: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
LAFC and Austin FC begin the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs on Wednesday evening as they meet in Game 1 of their opening round best-of-three series in the Western Conference.
Featuring Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga's inaugural playoff appearance together, LAFC come in as heavy favorites despite losing points in their final two regular season matches—their talent and skill have been evident throughout the closing stages of the campaign.
On the other hand, Austin FC possess a clear identity and understand how to succeed in crucial matches, demonstrated by their recent journey to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final. Following that championship game's disappointing conclusion against Nashville SC, they carry additional motivation to embark on an MLS Cup pursuit, drawing from that same competitive spirit.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview for Game 1.
What Time Does LAFC vs. Austin FC Begin?
LAFC vs. Austin FC Historical Matchup
Most recent encounter: Austin FC 1–0 LAFC (Oct. 12, 2025) - MLS regular season
Recent Form (All Competitions)
LAFC | Austin FC |
|---|---|
Colorado Rapids 2–2 LAFC -10/18/25 | San Jose Earthquakes 2–1 Austin FC -10/18/25 |
Austin FC 1–0 LAFC - 10/12/25 | Austin FC 1–0 LAFC - 10/12/25 |
LAFC 2–0 Toronto FC - 10/8/25 | Austin FC 1–3 St. Louis CITY SC - 10/4/25 |
LAFC 1–0 Atlanta United - 10/5/25 | Austin FC 1–2 Nashville SC - 10/1/25 |
St. Louis City SC 3–0 LAFC - 9/27/25 | Real Salt Lake 3–1 Austin FC - 9/27/25 |
How to Watch LAFC vs. Austin FC on Television
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
USA and Worldwide | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
LAFC Squad Update
LAFC approach the 2025 postseason filled with optimism—they concluded the campaign with six victories in their final eight matches—and have been on an offensive surge since Son Heung-min's arrival in August. Since the South Korean star joined, he has developed a dangerous combination with LAFC icon Denis Bouanga, with the pair netting a combined 20 goals as MLS's most effective attacking partnership.
On an individual level, Son has registered nine goals and two assists in his initial nine MLS appearances, while his scoring spree helped Bouanga finish the season with 24 goals, sharing second place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, trailing only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, who netted 29.
With faith in their attacking combination, LAFC will hope to exceed their third-place playoff seeding, while also pursuing a championship in the remaining matches under head coach Steve Cherundolo, who is scheduled to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Though the Black and Gold lost to Austin FC in their previous meeting, they did so without Son and Bouanga who were away on international assignments. However, the challenge remains significant, considering their record of seven victories, two draws and three defeats since Son's debut, they have not defeated a top-eight opponent.
Regarding player availability, LAFC can utilize all players except Odin Holm, along with Igor Jesus and Aaron Long, who are both sidelined for the season's remainder.
Beyond the field, it was also a significant week for LAFC as Son claimed the 2025 MLS Goal of the Year Award, and received recognition as an MLS Newcomer of the Year finalist.
LAFC Expected Starting XI v Austin FC
LAFC expected starting XI vs. Austin FC (4-3-3): Lloris; Palencia, Porteous, Tafari, Hollingshead; Delgado, Segura, Choiniere; Tillman, Son, Bouanga.
Austin FC Squad Update
Austin represent a well-balanced squad throughout the field that can remain competitive, capable of changing the game instantly through a brilliant moment from either Mytro Uzuni in attack or Owen Wolff in the midfield.
Wolff, specifically, has excelled during the season's second half, finishing with a team-leading seven goals and eight assists. Meanwhile, Uzuni discovered his rhythm with six goals and three assists, alongside fellow designated player forward Osman Bukari, who contributed three goals and seven assists.
Despite losing U.S. men's national team striker Brandon Vazquez mid-season to a torn ACL, Los Verdes have discovered their attacking rhythm, and will present a test for the high-scoring LAFC.
While the attack has gained attention during head coach Nico Estévez's inaugural season, the defense has been outstanding. Veteran goalkeeper Brad Stuver earned MLS All-Star recognition, and has made the team nearly impenetrable on set pieces, allowing just two goals from free kicks and corner kicks throughout the season.
While their elite talent doesn't match LAFC's level, they will also carry significant confidence in crucial matches, following their journey to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final.
In terms of availability, Estévez cannot rely on Vasquez, while Bukari and Diego Rubio remain doubtful.
Austin FC Expected Starting XI vs. LAFC
Austin FC expected starting XI vs. LAFC (3-4-3): Stuver; Hines-Ike, Djordjevic, Biro; Dealer, Sanchez, Pereira, Gallagher; Obrian, Uzuni, Wolff.
LAFC vs. Austin FC Match Prediction
LAFC have consistently risen to MLS Cup playoff occasions, and will undoubtedly carry additional motivation given the reputation of their two stars in Son and Bouanga. Simultaneously, the pair will want to demonstrate their abilities against a playoff-caliber team, a test they haven't passed since Son's arrival.
With home field advantage, and all the enthusiasm surrounding the club, it should be a relatively comfortable evening for the Black and Gold, who would then aim to complete the series sweep and advance to the Western Conference semifinal in Game 2.
Prediction: LAFC 3–1 Austin FC