LAFC and Austin FC kick off the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs on Wednesday night as they clash in Game 1 of their first round best-of-three series in the Western Conference.
Highlighted by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga’s first playoff match together, LAFC enter as substantial favorites despite dropping points on the final two matchdays—their class and quality has shown through the tail end of the regular season.
Meanwhile, Austin FC are a team with a firm identity and one that knows how to win big games, as evidenced by their recent run to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final. After that final match ended in heartbreak against Nashville SC, they are even more motivated to go on a run towards MLS Cup, channeling some of that same tournament energy.
Here is guide to Game 1.
