In the 2022 season, Austin outscored LAFC 6-2. Despite the Texas capital’s pair of wins over the black and gold, the Greens entered the Western Conference Finals as overwhelming underdogs. LAFC and Austin went head-to-head with a spot in the MLS Cup final on the line.
On Sunday, former USMNT teammates Steve Cherundolo and Josh Wolff squared off as coaches. Ultimately, LAFC blanked Austin 3-0, securing a golden ticket to the championship game.
LAFC qualifies for the MLS Cup final
As expected, the tension caused both sides to have an antagonistic attitude. Cherundolo entered the match with a characteristic 4-3-3 against Wolff’s compact 4-2-3-1 formation. Austin often morphed into a 4-5-1 as they desperately maintained their defensive form.
In the early gates, both defenses were quick to employ clearances. Neither team played at risk of keeping possession in their own third. Compatriots José Cifuentes and Diego Palacios participated in team plays. Together, they had a ubiquitous presence on the field. Additionally, Kellyn Acosta put constant pressure on Austin, finding Chicho for LAFC’s first shot on goal.
Both teams quickly delivered the ball, highlighting the compact defensive strategy. Carlos Vela then prepared Denis Bouanga for a breakaway down the flank. Unfortunately, the Frenchman was too quick on the dribble.
Giorgio Chiellini showed off the Hollywood pass, putting backspin on long floating balls. Acosta then launched a set piece with a spin over the crossbar. Defensively, the USMNT midfielder was a strong shield against central defenders Chiellini and Jesús Murillo.
Then a horizontal heist play led to a direct pass. Cifuentes made a diagonal run, a play that wreaks havoc on the opposing transition defense. Unfortunately, the Ecuadorian missed a brilliant opportunity; preferring power over finesse with a shot above the laces. As a result, the ball bounced off the wood.
Finally, captain Carlos Vela found his rhythm. Specifically, a long ball impeccably controlled by the Mexican striker, yielded a shot and a necessary save from Stuver.
Broken the wall of Austin FC
Finally, Bouanga’s diagonal run hit Austin’s baseline, creating space for a shot inside the box. He hesitated with an extra touch. However, the deflection that led to a corner kick was a blessing in disguise. Vela’s set-piece center finds Chicho’s header, a header shoots out of the net, 1-0.
The aerial plays continued, as the ball rarely stayed level with the turf. As a result of this style of play, there were constant turnovers. While LAFC had possession, they spread players down the field. Austin became susceptible to passes going through central spaces
created by expansive plays. LAFC continued to use the width, creating room for holdup plays. As a result, the forwards made vertical runs through the holes in the Austin defense.
LAFC forced Sebastián Driussi to disappear, unrecoverable by Los Verdes. The Argentine striker has been Austin’s silver bullet since 2021, scoring around thirty goals in two seasons. Driussi’s absence from the field was due less to the midfielder’s inability and more to Cherundolo’s marking strategy.
LAFC progressed the ball through thirds with positional play, utilizing a diamond pass hybrid. Then, Chicho got away quickly, a smooth pass meant for Vela.
LAFC polishes Austin FC
Unfortunately for Austin, head coach Wolff took a tactical gamble with substitute Maxi Urruti, who committed a ‘howler’ by conceding an ‘own goal’ off a Vela corner kick, 2-0.
Finally, Steve Cherundolo dealt the killing blow, substituting Mahala Opoku’s fresh legs. Finally, Opoku ended the game; the Ghanaian striker capitalized on a discreet deflection from the wing, followed by a deft invasion of space where Opoku slammed the ball into the near post, 3-0.
As the final whistle sounded, Austin fired a shot on goal. The hosts had 10.
Unofficial player of the game: The 3252
In the first half, Giorgio Chiellini showed his robust and confrontational style of play. Furthermore, his brand of manhood is deeply rooted in ‘door bolt’ tactics, a ‘catenaccio’ model. He frequently recalls Franco Baresi, a legendary defender who kept opponents in the pocket throughout the match. Baresi was the prototypical example of Arrigo Sacchi’s innovation. Like Baresi, Chiellini incorporates defense into a hybrid attack.
Before the match, Chiellini said that LAFC must “imagine lifting the trophy and giving 100%, with the help of our fans.”
LAFC enjoyed their home field, getting on the nerves of the ATX fans in attendance. Banc of California Stadium, a fortress in the heart of Los Angeles, infused with black and gold stripes. Sanctuary 3252, a collection of feverish zealots, roared through a riot of unspeakable energy. The faithful cohort set a propulsive pace throughout the match.
LAFC won the Supporters Shield this season, making 3252 their path to MLS glory. Now those boisterous fans have the chance to see their club lift a first-ever championship in their own stadium.
However, the opponent is the best team in the east. The Philadelphia Union defeated the defending champions, New York City FC, by a score of 3-1. Philadelphia’s three-goal second-half surge in an 11-minute span finished off NYCFC.
That field at home is also a big problem. LAFC was strong at home this campaign. The club had 13 wins, two draws and only two losses. However, Philadelphia was even more dominant at home during the regular season. The Union went undefeated with 12 wins and five draws.
The MLS Eastern Conference Champions will battle the Western Conference Champions on Saturday, November 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 pm with coverage available on FOX.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
