MLS Standings: Galaxy Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
A 4-1 victory over Austin secures a three-point cushion over LAFC, while Chicago and Cincinnati lock in their postseason berths.
By Marta Gray ·
The Los Angeles Galaxy secured a critical victory on Saturday, defeating Austin 4-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park to remain in contention for the Western Conference playoffs. The result brought the Galaxy to 44 points, placing them three points behind Los Angeles FC, the current sixth-seeded team. LAFC plays Minnesota on Sunday, making the gap a defining factor in the final weeks of the regular season.
João Klauss opened the scoring for the Galaxy in the 10th minute. Sergi Roberto intercepted a long clearance from Austin and passed to Harbor Miller near the corner flag. Miller delivered a simple pass to Klauss at the penalty spot for the first goal. Hirving Lozano added a second in the 38th minute, his first goal since returning from injury. Marco Reus lofted a ball over the defense to Lozano at the far post.
Robert Taylor scored against his former club in the 48th minute to extend the lead to 3-0. Austin reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when Ervin Torres struck a long-range shot. Roberto found his first Major League Soccer goal in the 66th minute. He controlled a header from Reus with his chest and fired a shot from near the penalty area to make it 4-1.
The Galaxy have not lost at Dignity Health Sports Park since July 22. Austin finished the season in last place in the Western Conference with 34 points. Reus recorded three assists in the match. The Galaxy now look to close the gap with LAFC, who must win their remaining games to secure the final playoff spot.
In other Saturday results, Chicago Fire defeated Colorado Rapids 4-2. Robert Lewandowski scored one of the four goals for Chicago, which now holds 55 points. That total is one point behind Inter Miami, the second-place team in the Eastern Conference, with one week remaining in the regular season. Miami faces New England Revolution on Sunday.
Cincinnati secured a postseason berth by beating Philadelphia Union 1-0. San Jose Earthquakes defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 to move into third place in the Western Conference. Columbus Crew won 3-0 against D.C. United and could clinch a playoff spot on Sunday with help from other results. Charlotte defeated Orlando 4-0, with Allan Saint-Maximin scoring one of three second-half goals.
Montreal drew 1-1 with New York City FC at Citi Field. Daniel Ríos scored in the second minute of stoppage time for Montreal. New York City is near elimination from the postseason. San Diego beat St. Louis City 1-0, and Sporting Kansas City drew 1-1 with FC Dallas.
