Los Angeles Galaxy are eyeing their first win of the campaign when they travel to Austin FC on Saturday.
The Q2 Stadium sets the stage for a crucial Western Conference encounter this weekend, as Austin FC aim to shake off a recent slump while a winless LA Galaxy side teeter on the brink of MLS rock bottom. For two clubs with very different trajectories in recent years, this clash carries significant early-season weight.
Austin FC started April with momentum on their side after racking up a trio of consecutive victories in March, including a standout win over city rivals LAFC. However, their fortunes have taken a sharp downturn this month. A scoreless home draw with the Portland Timbers was followed by a 5-1 dismantling at the hands of a rampant Vancouver Whitecaps, in a match where defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. Nico Estevez’s men, who had previously kept three clean sheets in four matches, suddenly looked vulnerable at the back.
Now sitting sixth in the Western Conference with 13 points, Los Verdes find themselves at a crossroads — still within striking distance of second place but needing a quick response. Fortunately, their home form offers a glimmer of reassurance. Austin have lost just once in their last nine matches at Q2 Stadium, and with several playoff contenders tightly bunched above them, a win on Saturday could vault them several places up the table depending on results elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Greg Vanney’s LA Galaxy are stuck in a nightmare start to the 2025 campaign. With no wins in their first eight matches and a league-low three points, the former MLS giants are in danger of becoming a footnote in the Western Conference title race before it even begins.
A 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo last time out was more a show of resilience than progress—the Galaxy had to claw back from behind and see out the match with 10 men. While Vanney will take heart from the fight shown by his side, the reality is stark: LA Galaxy have not won an away game since November, and have lost four of their last six road fixtures.
Another loss on Saturday could spell more than just embarrassment — it could see them drop to the very bottom of the MLS standings, should Montreal pick up a better result out East.
For the visitors, this is a game about survival, about rediscovering belief in a project that is rapidly losing direction. For the hosts, it is an opportunity to reignite early-season form and show their playoff credentials. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Austin FC
Nico Estevez will be relieved to have most of his core squad available heading into Saturday’s clash, though the heavy loss to Vancouver last time out could prompt changes, particularly in defence. There are no new suspension concerns for Los Verdes, and injury issues remain minimal compared to their struggling opponents.
With the focus likely to be on reestablishing defensive stability, Estevez may opt for a balanced approach — one that allows his side to keep control in midfield while pressing high in transition. Considering the firepower available and the Galaxy’s frailty at the back, Austin are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 setup that allows width and forward momentum while ensuring they remain compact without the ball.
In terms of personnel, Brad Stuver is expected to retain his place in goal. The back four should feature Jon Gallagher at right-back, with Julio Cascante and Brendan Hines-Ike as the central defensive pairing. Guilherme Biro, who has offered both defensive cover and attacking thrust on the left flank, is likely to complete the defensive line.
The midfield quartet could see Owen Wolff on the right wing and Osman Bukari on the left, with Besard Sabovic and Daniel Pereira operating through the centre. This combination offers a mix of creativity, work rate, and vertical passing ability, key to unlocking a vulnerable LA Galaxy backline.
Up front, Myrto Uzuni and Brandon Vazquez are set to lead the line. Both strikers bring different qualities to the attack, Uzuni’s movement and pace complementing Vazquez’s physical presence and aerial threat. If service from the flanks is effective, the duo could prove decisive in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Stuver; Gallagher, Cascante, Hines-Ike, Biro; Wolff, Pereira, Sabovic, Bukari; Uzuni, Vazquez
Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy enter Saturday’s clash with selection headaches in key positions. Mathias Jorgensen is suspended following his red card in the draw against the Houston Dynamo, which forces head coach Greg Vanney into a reshuffle at the back. With Maya Yoshida also unavailable due to injury, Eriq Zavaleta is expected to step into the centre of defence, pairing up with Carlos Garcés in what will be a largely untested duo.
The Galaxy are also still without Riqui Puig, who continues his long rehabilitation from a serious ACL injury suffered in December. His absence continues to leave a creative void in the midfield. Additionally, Marco Reus, a marquee veteran signing, has not featured since early March due to fitness issues and is again expected to miss out.
In terms of formation, LA Galaxy are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1, with John McCarthy starting in goal. The back four should see Miki Yamane deployed at right-back and John Nelson covering the left. In the middle, the centre-back pairing of Carlos Garces and Eriq Zavaleta will be tasked with keeping Austin’s front two quiet, a tall order given their recent form.
The midfield pivot is expected to consist of Lucas Sanabria and Edwin Cerrillo, offering a blend of defensive cover and transitional play. Further up the pitch, the attacking trio behind the striker should include Gabriel Pec on the right, Diego Fagundez centrally, and Joseph Paintsil operating on the left wing. Leading the line will be Christian Ramirez, whose hold-up play and movement will be key to linking attacks.
Given their current league position and away form, Vanney’s side will likely adopt a cautious approach, seeking to stay compact and hit Austin on the break through their pacey wingers. However, without several key players and with confidence at a low ebb, the Galaxy will need to deliver a near-flawless performance to come away with a result.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Zavaleta, Nelson; Sanabria, Cerillo; Pec, Fagundez, Paintsil; Ramirez
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
-
LA Galaxy are winless in eight matches to start the 2025 MLS season, collecting just three points from a possible 24. Only Montreal have earned fewer in either conference.
-
Austin FC have lost just one of their last nine home matches at Q2 Stadium (dating back to September 2024), showcasing strong form on their own turf.
-
LA Galaxy have not won an away game since November 2024, and they’ve suffered four defeats in their last six away fixtures, conceding multiple goals in each loss.
-
Austin have conceded six goals in their last two matches (0-0 vs Portland, 1-5 vs Vancouver), after previously keeping three clean sheets in four, indicating recent defensive inconsistency.
-
LA Galaxy’s attack has been blunt this season, managing just six goals in eight games, while Austin have scored 13 goals, more than double their opponents.
Player to Watch
Joseph Paintsil
With Los Angeles Galaxy in desperate need of a spark to ignite their season, Joseph Paintsil stands out as their most dynamic threat heading into this weekend’s clash with Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. The Ghanaian winger brings electric pace, incisive dribbling, and the ability to stretch defences, qualities that could be vital for a side struggling to find their rhythm.
Despite Galaxy’s poor form, Paintsil has shown flashes of brilliance, often carrying the creative burden in wide areas. His willingness to take on defenders one-on-one and cut inside to shoot makes him unpredictable and dangerous, particularly against an Austin defence that recently shipped five goals to Vancouver.
With Riqui Puig and Marco Reus sidelined, the creative responsibility will fall heavily on Paintsil’s shoulders. If the Galaxy are to salvage anything from this fixture, it’s likely to come from his direct involvement, whether it’s through a solo run, a key pass, or a moment of individual magic.
For Austin, keeping Paintsil quiet will be critical. For LA Galaxy, his performance could be the difference between another frustrating outing and a long-awaited first win of the season.
Prediction
Austin FC 2-0 Los Angeles Galaxy
Austin’s home strength, combined with Los Angeles Galaxy’s dismal away record and lack of confidence, points to a straightforward outcome. Expect Nico Estevez’s side to come out with intensity early on, capitalising on defensive gaps and LA Galaxy’s low morale.
Unless Greg Vanney’s men produce something radically different, this could be yet another painful chapter in what is becoming a forgettable season for LA. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Austin FC.