Austin FC fell 3-0 to Los Angeles FC in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final on Sunday afternoon at Banc of California Stadium.
LAFC took the lead in the 29th-minute when Cristian Arango found space in the box to head in a Carlos Vela corner kick. Brad Stuver made a pair of solid saves before halftime to keep the Verde & Black in the match, denying Vela and Jose Cifuentes.
Stuver came up with another big stop on Ryan Hollingshead early in the second half as Austin grew into the game. The visitors’ momentum was derailed though when an unfortunate deflection gave LAFC its second goal.
Diego Fagundez was then brought down in the box and the referee was instructed to consult VAR, but ruled that the contact was not sufficient to warrant a penalty.
LAFC substitute Kwadwo Opoko sealed the result for the home side in the 81st-minute with the team’s third goal.
