LAFC2 advanced to the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final on Sunday night with a dramatic 1-0 victory over No. 1 overall seed Austin FC II at Parmer Field in Austin, as Sebastian Nava scored the game-winner in second-half stoppage time.
The Black & Gold controlled much of the match despite entering as the No. 6 seed, outshooting Austin 20-12 and putting seven attempts on target while limiting the hosts to just one. LAFC2 did not allow a shot on goal to Austin (who finished the regular season atop the points standings) until the 81st minute.
Tommy Mihalić created several of LAFC2’s best chances throughout the night, forcing saves in both halves, while Jude Terry and Travis Babineau also tested Austin goalkeeper Erik Lauta as the Black & Gold continued to push for the breakthrough.
The decisive moment came in the second minute of stoppage time. An on-target missile from distance by Mihalić forced another leaping save from Lauta, and Nava collected the rebound right in front of goal and finished to the bottom-right corner, giving LAFC2 a 1-0 lead that held through the final whistle.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Ethan Scally and the LAFC2 defense kept Austin off the scoresheet as the Black & Gold recorded their second straight road victory of the postseason.
LAFC2 now advances to the Western Conference Final, where it will face Ventura County FC on Friday, October 30, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. The matchup adds another chapter to the El Trafico rivalry – sometimes referred to as El Trafichico at the academy and MLS NEXT Pro levels - with the LAFC and Galaxy MLS NEXT Pro affiliates meeting for a place in the league final, the MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
Kickoff on October 30 is set for 7:00 p.m. PT.
