LAFC beats Austin FC 3-1 as Son, Bouanga score at BMO

Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min powered Los Angeles Football Club to a 3-1 victory over Austin FC on Wednesday night, extending LAFC’s momentum during the final stretch of the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season at BMO Stadium.

Bouanga, wearing the No. 99 jersey that has become synonymous with LAFC’s attacking identity since his arrival from AS Saint-Étienne in 2022, found the net and was seen celebrating alongside Son after the South Korean international also scored. Son, who joined the club following a historic Premier League tenure with Tottenham Hotspur where he won the Golden Boot in 2022, wore the No. 7 shirt and was visibly frustrated earlier in the match after missing a goal attempt before ultimately converting.

The October 14 fixture arrives as MLS clubs navigate the critical final weeks before the postseason. LAFC, the 2022 MLS Cup champions and perennial Western Conference contenders, used the midweek match to solidify positioning ahead of the playoffs. Austin FC, which reached the Western Conference Final in its second-ever season in 2022, has faced a more turbulent path in recent campaigns while attempting to reestablish itself as a postseason threat.

Brandon Vasquez provided the lone goal for the visitors. The American striker, who earned his first U.S. men’s national team call-ups while playing domestically, celebrated his finish with veteran forward Christian Ramirez. Ramirez, a longtime MLS presence who previously played for Minnesota United FC and the Columbus Crew, spent much of the evening organizing the Austin attack and signaling to teammates from the field.

Despite conceding three goals, Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver remained vocal throughout the match, frequently directing his defensive line. Stuver has been one of the most consistent shot-stoppers in the league since Austin’s inaugural 2021 season. His efforts were tested repeatedly by an LAFC side that utilized width effectively, with Spanish defender Sergi Palencia pushing high up the right flank. Palencia, who arrived in MLS after stints with FC Barcelona’s reserve squad and French club AS Saint-Étienne, reacted visibly after an Austin save denied one of his contributions to the attack.

Defensively, LAFC relied on Yevhen Cheberko to neutralize Austin’s transitions. The Ukrainian center-back was photographed actively defending the ball and communicating across the backline, anchoring a defensive effort that limited the visitors to a single strike.

Midfielder Facundo Torres also featured prominently for Austin. The Uruguayan international, originally signed by Orlando City SC before moving to Texas, was seen being helped to his feet by Ramirez during a physical sequence that underscored the urgency both teams brought to the late-season contest.

With the 2026 MLS regular season rapidly approaching its conclusion, LAFC will look to carry the chemistry displayed between its marquee attackers into the knockout rounds. Austin FC returns to Texas needing points to keep pace in the crowded Western Conference playoff race.