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Recap, Match Day 23: LA Galaxy's Win Streak Ends in Loss vs. Austin FC

A fourteenth loss in their loss most likely ends any hope a run up the MLS Western Conference standings.
ByScott Conrad|
LA Galaxy v Austin FC
LA Galaxy v Austin FC | Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages

Last year, the Los Angeles Galaxy lost just eight games. This season, the defending MLS Cup champions are now two more from doubling that total.

Unable to add to their three-game win streak at home and their last two games overall, the LA Galaxy fall, 2-1, against Austin FC. This also realistically ends any hopes for the Galaxy to make the playoffs this year, as well.

It certainly has been a painful and disappointing season for the LA Galaxy who looked to make their 11th MLS Cup Finals appearance. Instead, the six-time league champions will be sitting out this postseason for the second time in three years.

Where it went wrong for the LA Galaxy?

The first 40 minutes went smooth for the Galaxy's defense. The game was scoreless until Myrto Uzun scored creating a one goal deficit for the home team.

In the 63rd minute, Owen Wolff doubled up on the LA Galaxy. Austin FC were up 2-0 until the very end of the game.

LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil's penalty kick when past Brad Stuver at 90'+3'. The Ghana native's fourth goal of the season salvaged a shutout loss but wasn't enough for a draw.

As of late, LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney has seen improvement across the board from his offense and defense, in addition to the level of play from his goalkeeper. Since May 31, Novak Micovic has two clean sheets and helped his team in all three wins this season.

Marco Reus and former Austin FC midfielder Diego Fagundez have really stepped up as of late. Both scored last weekend in the 2-1 victory over D.C. United.

In Micovic's first three games, he allowed seven goals. After becoming the starting keeper again on May 24, the Serbian athlete has only allowed more than two goals once. That came in the 3-3 draw at St. Louis City.

Despite controlling the ball 58.2% of the game, the LA Galaxy wasted a number of opportunites and chances to score. They had eight corner kicks in the game. The Galaxy took 16 shot attempts while Austin FC had seven.

The LA Galaxy did play a cleaner game than their opponent. Austin FC committed five more fouls and were twice as many yellow cards than the reigning MLS Cup champs.

Next up, the Galaxy will play at BMO Stadium to face their cross-town rival, LAFC. That game will be played on Saturday ahead of All-Star Week next week.

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