Austin vs. LA Galaxy – The Los Angeles Galaxy kick off their Texas road trip on Sunday when they visit Q2 Stadium for the first time this season to face Austin FC.
Austin is the second-best team in Major League Soccer, trailing Los Angeles FC by two points in the Western Conference, while the Galaxy are four points behind the Verde and Black after losing 1-0 to Real Salt Lake last weekend.
On April 2, 2022, Austin FC forward Maximiliano Urruti (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park.
What’s going on right now in Texas’ capitol has to be one of the campaign’s feel-good tales so far.
Josh Wolff has changed this club from a Western Conference bottom feeder to a title contender in their second season of Major League Soccer.
Despite a strong start to the season, in which they earned a point in eight of their first nine games, many experts doubt that this group can keep up its strong play.
Only one of their games so far has been against a team currently in the playoffs (Minnesota United), and the Verde and Black will face serious opposition in the weeks ahead.
Two of their next three games will be on the road against the Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, and RSL, who have a combined 54 points in 2022.
It remains to be seen if Austin is for genuine and will continue to overachieve as they have, but it appears like they have progressed by leaps and bounds since 2021, with only three wins separating them from last year’s whole regular-season total (nine).
The Verde and Black are a team with a lot of flare and quality in midfield and attack, as well as a never-say-die attitude, having already collected seven points this season after conceding the first goal.
On March 12, 2022, Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernandez (14) celebrates with Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Efrain Alvarez (26) after scoring a goal during the first half at Lumen Field.
The LA Galaxy, who have been unexpectedly sharp defensively to start the season, are another team experiencing a strong comeback season from a year ago.
Their collapse came in 2021, when they gave their opponents much too much time and space in transition, conceding the second-most goals in the Western Conference (54).
Greg Vanney has seen them tighten up in that aspect, allowing the second-fewest goals in the league (seven), while also having a far more balanced offense.
Last Saturday in Salt Lake City, they were unlucky to come away with nothing after VAR controversially overturned an equalizing goal minutes from the finish for offside.
Austin vs. LA Galaxy – Betting Analysis
Los Angeles had been unbeaten in all competitions for five games, their longest streak since the start of the 2019 season.
If there’s anything they’re lacking right now, it’s service in midfield, as their fullbacks have taken over as the primary providers after nine games.
Austin vs. LA Galaxy – Head-to-Head
Our Prediction: Both Teams To Win
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