Preseason Drama: LAFC Snags a Late Winner Against Austin in Desert Dust-Up

You know, there's just something about preseason football – or soccer, in this case – that always manages to deliver a little unexpected flair. Sure, it’s not the MLS Cup final, not even close, but the spirit, the grit, it’s all still there, bubbling just beneath the surface. And for LAFC, in the sun-drenched — and honestly, quite scenic — Coachella Valley Invitational, that spirit truly shone through, culminating in a rather dramatic 2-1 victory over Austin FC.

It wasn't a runaway, not by any stretch. For a good portion of the match, it felt like two prize fighters circling each other, testing the waters. But the Black & Gold, they made their intentions clear fairly early on. Denis Bouanga, a name that's become synonymous with electric play, showed us all exactly why he’s so crucial. About 29 minutes in, he rose above the fray, connecting with a cross from Sergi Palencia. A header, perfectly placed, found the back of the net. And just like that, LAFC had the lead. A pretty sweet way to start, wouldn't you say?

But football, oh, it’s a cruel mistress sometimes, isn't it? Momentum, that fickle beast, can shift in an instant. After the half, Austin FC came out with a renewed vigor, a fresh hunger. And it paid off. Jon Gallagher, he wasn't about to let LAFC walk away too comfortably. Around the 54-minute mark, he managed to equalize. Suddenly, the score was level, and you could feel the tension, even in a preseason friendly, start to build. Both teams, for all intents and purposes, seemed to want this.

Then came the moment. The kind of moment that, in truth, defines even these early-season encounters. With the clock ticking down, the 79th minute to be precise, a chance emerged. Timothy Tillman, a dynamic presence on the field, found himself in a prime position. He launched a shot, a good one, you could say, but it was deflected. It bounced, it skittered, and then, almost as if by design, it landed right at the feet of Nathan Ordaz. Talk about being in the right place at the right time, eh?

Ordaz, with the goal gaping, didn't hesitate. A simple tap-in, clean as you like, and just like that, the scoreboard shifted. 2-1. LAFC had reclaimed the lead. And honestly, it was a beautiful demonstration of persistence and opportunistic play. They held on, too, weathering any late surges Austin tried to mount. So, while it's just preseason, a win like that, earned with a late-game hero moment, well, it definitely sets a certain tone for the season ahead. It reminds you why we love this game, even when it's just for bragging rights in the desert sun.