LAFC Look to Extend Perfect Start Against Austin FC

The Western Conference leaders visit Austin FC, who are looking to bounce back from two straight losses.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:49pm

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Los Angeles FC (LAFC) will look to extend their perfect start to the 2026 MLS season when they visit Austin FC on Saturday. LAFC have won their first four matches, outscoring opponents 8-0, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has not conceded a goal in over 360 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Austin FC are coming off two straight losses and will be without key players Owen Wolff and Brandon Vazquez due to injury.

Why it matters

This matchup features the Western Conference leaders LAFC, who are off to a dominant start, against an Austin FC squad trying to find their footing after a rough patch. The outcome could have implications for the early-season standings and playoff positioning in the West.

The details

LAFC have been led by their stifling defense, with Lloris recording a dozen clean sheets in each of the past two seasons. In their most recent match, LAFC defeated Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense 2-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Austin FC, meanwhile, are coming off a 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake, where they struggled to maintain possession in the second half. The Verde will be without midfield playmaker Owen Wolff and striker Brandon Vazquez due to injury.

  • LAFC have won their first 4 matches of the 2026 MLS season.
  • LAFC defeated LD Alajuelense 2-1 on Tuesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
  • Austin FC lost 2-1 at Real Salt Lake on March 14.

The players

Hugo Lloris

LAFC goalkeeper who has not conceded a goal in over 360 minutes of play.

Mathieu Choiniere

LAFC midfielder who scored twice in their most recent MLS win.

David Martinez

20-year-old LAFC player who scored the late winner against LD Alajuelense.

Owen Wolff

Austin FC midfielder who will miss the match due to injury.

Brandon Vazquez

Austin FC striker who will also miss the match due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“The coaches give us all the confidence we need to move forward. When you train something, and you get that touch, you get that feeling every single time. In training, we're spending time on this. When it comes to games, it's just natural.”

— Mathieu Choiniere, LAFC Midfielder

“We created enough chances in the first half (against RSL) but in the second half, we didn't do a good job with the ball. We have to be brave and have the ball more and then stick to the game plan. We did not have that patience and that thought in the second half. But it's true that we need to provide more [from open play].”

— Nico Estevez, Austin FC Head Coach

What’s next

LAFC will look to continue their perfect start and extend their clean sheet streak, while Austin FC will aim to bounce back at home and get key injured players back in the lineup.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Western Conference leaders LAFC and the struggling Austin FC squad could provide an early indication of the balance of power in the West this MLS season.