LAFC edges Austin in opener of first-round playoff series

LAFC struck first and earned a victory on Wednesday, beating Austin FC 2-1 in Game 1 of their series during the first round of the MLS playoffs.

- By JAD EL REDA

AUSTIN FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver fails to prevent LAFC forward Nathan Ordaz (27) from scoring late.

LAFC finished the regular season in third place in the Western Conference, hosting sixth-seeded Austin FC at BMO Stadium for the first game of the best-of-three series that will determine who advances to the Western Conference semifinals.

Twenty minutes into the game, Ryan Hollingshead broke down the left wing and sent in a low cross. Brendan Hines-Ike tried to clear the ball, but it ended up in his own net for a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Austin FC equalized after Nkosi Tafari misplaced a clearance inside the box, causing confusion in the L.A. defense. With a couple of passes, Jon Gallagher ended up connecting with the shot to make it 1 in the 63rd minute.

Nathan Ordaz, who had only been on the field for only a short time, scored the 2-1 goal in the 79th minute. Son Heung-min sent a short pass to Denis Bouanga, who fired a powerful shot that was deflected but still headed toward the goal.

Ordaz sought to secure the score and only had to push the ball in.