David Martinez scored 17 minutes into the second half and Los Angeles FC played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday to earn a point against visiting Austin FC, while dropping one spot into third place in the Western Conference.
Hugo Lloris made two saves for LAFC (14-7-7, 49 points), who have gone 2-3-1 across all competitions starting with their loss in the Leagues Final against the Columbus Crew on Aug. 25.
After losing to the rival Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday when they failed to protect a 2-0 halftime lead, LAFC forced the action early before they ultimately earned a point in the standings with the tie.
Jader Obrian scored in first-half stoppage time as Austin FC edged closer to the playoff line after starting the day two spots below the final postseason-eligible team.
Brad Stuver had five saves for Austin FC (9-12-8, 35 points), including three in the first half when LAFC took seven shots. Austin FC is 1-2-1 since they were eliminated by LAFC in the Round of 32 of Leagues Cup play.
With halftime approaching, Osman Bukari found Obrian in the middle of the LAFC penalty area and he fired a shot through the legs of approaching defenseman Eddie Segura and past a flat-footed Lloris.
It was Austin FC’s first shot on goal in the match as Obrian scored his team-leading sixth of the season. Austin FC finished with 10 shots and three on goal.
LAFC tied it 1-1 in the 62nd minute when the 18-year-old Martinez scored on a one-time shot with his left foot off a centering pass from Ryan Hollingshead just three minutes after he entered. It was Martinez’s 12th career game for LAFC, all off the bench, and his second goal.
LAFC’s scoring play started with a backward flick from veteran Olivier Giroud to Edward Atuesta, who was credited with a secondary assist. They had 13 shots and six on goal.
LAFC announced the signing of franchise all-time leading goal scorer Carlos Vela this week, but the forward watched from the stands as he continues to work on his fitness.
–Field Level Media
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