Deadspin: Galaxy Need a Win Against Austin FC to Increase Playoff Chances
Galaxy face a must-win test
The Galaxy can take the first step toward a possible playoff berth by beating Austin at home Saturday. They also need Seattle and/or Real Salt Lake to drop points, with Seattle visiting Vancouver on Sunday and RSL traveling to San Jose on Saturday.
LA enters the match at 10-11-11 with 41 points. It is one point behind ninth-place RSL and two behind eighth-place Seattle in the Western Conference standings.
A draw left work to do
The Galaxy drew 2-2 with Los Angeles FC on Sunday after Joseph Paintsil scored twice to give them a two-goal lead. LAFC erased that advantage within 11 minutes.
Coach Greg Vanney said the team needed to earn three points at home and then assess its final match. He also said he felt opponents should not want to face the Galaxy if they reach the playoffs.
Austin seeks a response
Austin has an 8-14-10 record and 34 points, and is second-last in the West. The club was eliminated from playoff contention before its visit to LA. Austin lost 2-1 at home to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. Jorge Alastuey scored his first career goal in the 52nd minute, but RSL scored twice in a six-minute span to take the match.
The defeat marked Austin's fourth loss in five fixtures. The team had put together an eight-game unbeaten run from Aug. 19 to Sept. 26, briefly moving into contention.
Key points
- The Galaxy need a win and a tie in their final two matches, plus help from other teams.
- LA is one point behind ninth-place Real Salt Lake and two behind eighth-place Seattle.
- Austin has been eliminated from playoff contention and has lost four of its past five fixtures.
- Austin’s 2-1 loss to RSL came despite Jorge Alastuey’s first career goal.