Galaxy Face Elimination Hurdle: Saturday Win Against Austin FC Decides Playoff Fate
LA Galaxy must beat the eliminated Austin FC to secure a top-eight seed, while recovering forwards Chucky Lozano and Kyogo Furuhashi return to the lineup.
By Henry Castro ·
Los Angeles Galaxy must defeat Austin FC on Saturday to keep their Western Conference playoff hopes alive. A draw or loss, combined with results from other matches, will end the Galaxy season. The match takes place at 2 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park and is broadcast on Apple TV.
The Galaxy currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 10 wins, 11 losses, and 11 draws. They hold 41 points. Austin FC enters the game with 34 points and a record of 8 wins, 14 losses, and 10 draws. Austin secured its elimination status following Wednesday's midweek results.
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney emphasized the necessity of securing a win. "It doesn't change a whole lot, we've got a big game this weekend at home and then we have RSL (Nov. 7) in the last game of the year," Vanney said. He noted that the team must focus on their own results and the potential to climb as high as the seventh seed if other teams remain close.
Forward Robert Taylor, who played for Austin FC earlier in the 2026 season, acknowledged the difficulty of facing an eliminated opponent. "We just have to win the next two games in order to get to the playoff spot," Taylor said. He warned that teams with nothing to lose can be difficult opponents and that the Galaxy must prepare for a challenging match.
The Galaxy have struggled to convert leads into victories this season. They have drawn seven games in which they scored first. Vanney described this issue as a matter of game management, including clearances and decision making. He stated that the team must handle pressure and manage the game effectively as the season concludes.
The Galaxy will receive a significant boost with the return of forwards Hirving "Chucky" Lozano and Kyogo Furuhashi. Both players were sidelined with injuries during the previous match. Midfielder Marco Reus also returns after sitting out Sunday's draw with LAFC due to illness. Vanney called the return of these players "massive" and noted the increased capacity to impact the game.
The Galaxy can finish as high as the seventh seed or secure a play-in spot. They face Real Salt Lake on Nov. 7 in the final regular season game. The team aims to convert their recent draws into wins to improve their standing before the postseason begins.
Source: The San Bernardino Sun
