LAFC2 has secured its place in the Western Conference Semifinals of the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs following a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Houston Dynamo 2. The match, held at Shell Energy Stadium, ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes, with LAFC2 triumphing 4-3 in the ensuing shootout, according to LAFC2 News.
The Black & Gold took an early lead in the 12th minute with a stunning strike from Jude Terry. Marius Aiyenero extended the lead in the 54th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Charlie Kosakoff. However, Houston's Gilberto Rivera quickly responded, scoring twice in five minutes to level the match. Despite both teams' efforts, the score remained tied through extra time, leading to a penalty shootout where LAFC2 goalkeeper Ethan Scally made crucial saves to ensure the victory.
LAFC2's journey continues as they prepare to face the top-seeded Austin FC II in the Western Conference Semifinals. The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at Parmer Field in Austin. Austin FC II, who finished the regular season with a league-best 65 points, chose LAFC2 as their opponent through the league’s Pick-Your-Opponent format, as reported by LAFC2 News.
LAFC2's success this season has been bolstered by standout performances from young talents like Jude Terry, who has been recognized for his achievements by winning the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Year and being named to the MLS 22-Under-22 list. Terry, a homegrown player from Chula Vista, has made significant contributions to both LAFC2 and the first team, scoring his first goal for the senior team against the Portland Timbers earlier this year.
The team, which finished the regular season in sixth place in the Western Conference with 45 points, has shown remarkable resilience, particularly in their recent playoff matches. LAFC2's ability to perform under pressure was evident in their quarterfinal win against Houston Dynamo 2, where they managed a 25-19 advantage in shots and demonstrated solid defensive skills, with Scally making seven saves during open play.
As LAFC2 prepares for their upcoming match against Austin FC II, fans can look forward to an exciting showdown between two competitive teams. The match will kick off at 5:30 p.m. PT and will be available for viewing online at MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball.com.
LAFC2's playoff journey highlights the club's commitment to developing young talent and providing opportunities for players to progress to the first team. This season, several LAFC2 players, including captain Tommy Mihalić, have earned first-team contracts or short-term loans, showcasing the strength of the club's player-development pathway.