No Bouanga. No Son. No Spark: What Went Wrong with LAFC in Austin?

LAFC’s six-game win streak came to an end in Austin. With Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min away on international duty, the Black & Gold fell 1-0 to Austin FC at Q2 Stadium — their first MLS road loss since April.

 

Austin’s Owen Wolff scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, ending LAFC’s 429-minute shutout streak and snapping their 11-game road unbeaten run. Despite 55% possession and solid defensive control, Steve Cherundolo’s side couldn’t find the breakthrough — recording just 0.2 expected goals and a single corner kick all night.

 

In this episode of Section 128, Celso and Erik break down the five stats that told the story of the loss:

• Possession without punch

• Lack of width and corner creation

• Lowest xG of the season

• Aerial duel dominance that didn’t matter

• The team’s growing dependence on its stars

 

We also look ahead to Decision Day — LAFC’s regular-season finale in Colorado — and what needs to change before the MLS Cup Playoffs begin.

 

📺 Watch more LAFC deep dives, tactical breakdowns, and interviews at youtube.com/@Section128LAFC

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