MLS Austin FC vs. Los Angeles FC Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 9/15/21
Austin FC vs. Los Angeles FC
The 201 MLS betting action continues Wednesday, September 15, with eight games on the slate, including the Western Conference showdown from Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, so we’re taking a closer look to get you the best Austin FC vs. LAFC betting pick and odds. These two foes meet for the third time in 2021, and Los Angeles FC has won the previous two duels with an identical 2-0 result. The Black and Gold opened as slight +130 road favorites for Wednesday’s clash.
Austin FC lost six of its last seven games
The Oak Army are riding a three-game losing streak following a 3-0 defeat at the Houston Dynamo this past Saturday. It was their sixth defeat in the last seven outings and 10th over the previous 12 games at any location, so Austin FC remains bottom of the Western Conference with 19 points (W5, D4, L14) and a 21:34 goal difference.
At least, the Oak Army have won two of their last four contests at Q2 Stadium. On the other hand, their last home game saw Austin FC suffering a heavy 5-3 defeat to FC Dallas. Austin FC has conceded a whopping 15 goals in its previous eight showings at home.
Wingers Cecilio Dominguez and Diego Fagundez are leading the way for Austin FC, scoring five goals each. They’ve also combined for five assists so far this season. Another winger Sebastian Driussi has scored a couple of goals and assists in seven appearances since joining the club in July, while midfielder Alexander Ring has added three goals in 21 outings.
LAFC aims for its third straight victory
The Black and Gold are coming off a 3-2 home victory to Real Salt Lake last Sunday, as Cristian Arango hit the brace, scoring his first two goals in LAFC jersey. The 26-year-old Colombian striker arrived from Millonarios in August and obviously needed some time to gel things with his new teammates.
LAFC is now undefeated in three straight outings, tallying seven points in the process to go with a 10:5 goal difference. The Black and Gold are laying at the eighth spot of the Western Conference standings with 30 points (W8, D6, L9) and a 35:33 goal difference, trailing sixth-seeded Minnesota by one point.
Los Angeles FC has some serious selection problems, as seven players are struggling with injuries, including Carlos Vela, who’s accounted for five goals and four assists in 17 appearances this term. Winger Diego Rossi is the team’s top goalscorer with six goals in 19 games, while midfielder Jose Cifuentes has added five goals and three dishes in 21 apps.
The Pick:Los Angeles FC to Win
Austin FC is the worst team in the West for a few reasons. They own the lowest-scoring offense in the conference, while their defense has been awful as of late, yielding ten goals over the last three outings. On the other side, LAFC is fighting for the playoffs and desperately needs a win here. The visitors miss some important first-team players, but they should have enough firepower to deal with the Oak Army.
LAFC’s defense is also a big issue. However, the Black and Gold look fine on the offensive side of things even though Carlos Vela is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Total: Both Teams to Score YES
Back in July, LAFC outlasted Austin FC at Q2 Stadium, 2-0. The hosts had more shots (14-12) and kept the ball in possession for 60 percent of the time, but they couldn’t find a way to break down the Black and Gold’s defense.
This time around, I’m expecting both teams to score. Austin FC hasn’t recorded a clean sheet in 12 straight games, while four of their previous five contests saw both teams finding the net. On the other side, both teams have scored in nine of LAFC’s last 11 games overall.
