The LA Galaxy and Austin FC meet for the second time and final time this month. LA Galaxy took care of business in their first game, winning by a score of 1-0 off a goal from Mark Delgado in the sixth minute. The match was heavily contested, with six yellow cards and 25 fouls committed between the two teams. Austin held a slight advantage on possession and shots on target but failed to register any offense. They enter tonight’s contest as the third-best road team of the Western Conference, boasting a 3-2-1 record.
Moneyline: LA Galaxy @ -135
The LA Galaxy have faced a tough month of May, posting a 1-2-1 record after winning the first game against Austin FC. Their offense out-possessed the ball in all three decisions, yet the goaltending struggled, allowing seven goals against. The only game of the month they were able to keep the ball out of their net was against the team they’ll face tonight, the same team that outplayed them. LA Galaxy will need a repeat performance if they hope to stop the plummet in the standings.
LA Galaxy Logo (Chris Creamer’s SportsLogos.Net)
Austin FC controlled the ball in two of three games, with the only exception coming against Los Angeles Football Club, the best team in the Western Conference. They’re a team capable of scoring some goals, but keeping the ball from going into their net is a work in progress. They play a good offensive game but are tightly checked against teams built defensively. LA Galaxy is capable of controlling teams’ chances and forcing shots from the outside, so let’s go with them to win their second consecutive match against Austin FC.
Over/Under: Under 2.5 (+136)
One team can play an offensive style, control the ball, and force crosses into the box, while the other takes a more laid-back approach and pounces on mistakes. LA Galaxy has enough firepower to counter most teams’ scoring onslaught and the defense to control momentum. Austin FC loves to control the tempo, but their accuracy for shots on target was way off last game, forcing Jonathan Bond to make just two saves on 13 attempts.
The last time these two teams engaged, the final was a 1-0 score and four shots on target. We’re expecting more of the same outcome between the two, and the under for two goals or less seems plausible in this situation. If LA Galaxy can again force the shots to come from the outside and take away any angles from lethal crosses, they’ll be in an excellent position to carry out a win.
Prop Bet: Sebastian Driussi Anytime Goal Scorer (+280)
If Austin FC stands any chance to squeak out a draw or a close-fought victory, it’s off the foot of Sebastian Driussi. He sits on eight goals this year and was all over the field in the last match between the two clubs. He’s dangerous around the box and is capable of surprising goalkeepers with his deceptive footwork and agility. If the team can possess the ball the way they did in the last meeting, Driussi could find his name on the scoresheet.
Austin FC Logo (Chris Creamer’s SportsLogos.Net)
In the last meeting, he attempted three shots and hit the target once. He committed three fouls and suffered one, while his passing percentage over 90 minutes was 74.2%, his second-lowest score of the month. He has two goals in his last five starts, with six shots on target off 13 attempts. Austin FC is the underdog heading into tonight’s contest, but they’re play as of late has elevated them up the standings, and Driussi could be the player to put the team on the board.
Odds via FanDuel
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