LAFC comes back to salvage point against Austin FC

It’s been a up-and-down week for LAFC, but could bluer skies be ahead for LAFC?

Attempting to ease the sting of its loss to the LA Galaxy last Saturday, LAFC has been working to reinforce its squad for the regular season’s final run. First on Monday, the team announced they had brought back legendary forward Carlos Vela for the remainder for the season (as well as an option for next season), then on the pitch on Wednesday night, rallied to salvage points against Austin FC. David Martinez’s second half goal canceled out Jader Obrian’s first half stoppage time strike, and LAFC settled for the 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium.

“I think coming into the second half down 1-0 it’s hard, but it helps us a lot and we tried our best to come back and win the game,” LAFC’s Erik Duenas said. For the last 10 minutes we were on them and unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but we got a tie and it was a great response from the team.”

The result turned out to be somewhat neutral for LAFC (14-7-7, 49 points). Sure, they dropped down a spot to third place in the Western Conference after Real Salt Lake defeated FC Dallas, but they are still alive for the top spot in the West after the first-place Galaxy lost to the Portland Timbers and will have a chance to make up points on Saturday when they head to Texas to face Dallas. There is also the task of trying to win another trophy, as LAFC hosts Sporting Kansas City for the US Open Cup title next Wednesday night.

“We have to take it game by game,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “For now we need to gather as many points as possible. If we get the full amount of points in Dallas, that would be great and maybe make up for us missing points tonight. But once that game is played, all of our focus and energy will be on Kansas City.”

Trailing a goal well into the second half, LAFC found the equalizer in the 62nd minute. Olivier Giroud backheeled a ball to Eduard Atuesta, igniting an LAFC counterattack. Atuesta played Ryan Hollingshead into the penalty area, Hollingshead then crossed into the six-yard box and one-timed a ball past keeper Brad Stuver to level matters.

Austin got an all-important opening goal right before the halftime break. Osman Bukari maneuvered to evade LAFC defender Aaron Long and dribble down the left side into the penalty area. Obrian sprinted inside the middle lane, Bukari passed Obrian the ball, Obrian then took a couple of touches before firing the right-footed shot past keeper Hugo Lloris for a stoppage time goal that gave Austin the lead going into the locker room.