LAFC2 entered 2026 looking for a fresh start under new head coach Fabian Sandoval after finishing 13th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs in 2025.
Under Sandoval, LAFC2 strung together a nine-match home unbeaten streak during the summer that helped them finish in sixth place in the Western Conference with 45 points and earn their first postseason appearance since 2024.
After defeating an experienced Houston Dynamo 2 in the quarterfinals, LAFC2 will take on another Texas opponent in Austin FC II, eyeing back-to-back upsets.
Season series
LAFC2 has faced Austin FC II six times since joining MLS NEXT Pro, earning two wins, two losses, and two shootout defeats.
Their last meeting took place on June 7, with Austin FC II cruising to a 2-0 home victory.
Player spotlight
It was a welcome surprise to see Jude Terry suit up for LAFC2 against Houston Dynamo 2. The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Year winner made his presence felt almost immediately, opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a perfectly placed low shot.
If Terry is unavailable for the semifinal matchup against Austin FC II, Sebastian Nava could shoulder more of the creative responsibility after creating eight chances in the previous round.
18-year-old DeCarlo Guerra also made his presence felt in midfield, recording five tackles and nine defensive contributions.
Up front, Marius Aiyenero will once again be counted on to provide the finishing touch as LAFC2 look to pull off another upset on Sunday.
Road from here
After defeating Houston Dynamo 2, LAFC2 will once again travel to Texas, this time to face Austin FC II on Sunday, October 25, at 8:30 PM ET.
It’s uncharted territory for LAFC2 as they prepare for their first-ever Western Conference Semifinal appearance.
Now, they’ll look to keep their postseason run alive by knocking off the West’s number one seed on Sunday.
