LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, left, vies for the ball with Austin FC forward Jon Gallagher during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead, right, brings the ball up the field while chased by Austin FC midfielder Emiliano Rigoni during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC defender Erik Dueñas, left, vies for the ball with Austin FC midfielder Emiliano Rigoni during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Diego Rubio, left, fends off LAFC’s Maxime Chanot during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Austin FC’s Mikkel Desler (3) looks to pass the ball between LAFC’s Aaron Long (33) and Ryan Hollingshead (24) during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC midfielder Mateusz Bogusz chases the ball during the first half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira, back, defends against LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira, top, defends against LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz, left, is challenged by Austin FC’s Alexander Ring as LAFC’s Eduard Atuesta looks on during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, center, moves the ball past Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira, right, during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz, left, turns with the ball after a challenge from Austin FC’s Mikkel Desler during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Maxime Chanot, center, attempts to play the ball between Austin FC’s Jáder Obrian, left, and Diego Rubio during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira, left, plays the ball in front of LAFC’s Eddie Segura during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Eddie Segura, left, watches his pass up the field with Austin FC’s Jáder Obrian during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC defender Maxime Chanot, right, heads the ball in front of Austin FC forward Jáder Obrian during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Oleksandr Svatok, left, defends against LAFC’s Eddie Segura, right, and Mateusz Bogusz, center, during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Eddie Segura plays the ball as Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira falls to the turf during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, left, reacts to a goal by Austin FC’s Jáder Obrian during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, right, vies for the ball with Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC defender Omar Campos moves the ball up the field during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Omar Campos reacts to his pass in front of Austin FC’s Oleksandr Svatok, resulting in a goal for LAFC’s David Martínez, not pictured, during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s David Martínez, center, reacts to his goal in front of Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, bottom, and Austin’s Leo Väisänen (15) and Guilherme Biro, left, during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s David Martínez, right, celebrates after scoring a goal in front of Austin FC’s Leo Väisänen (15) and goalkeeper Brad Stuver, right, during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC forward David Martínez, right, celebrates with teammates Ilie Sánchez, left, and Denis Bouanga after Martínez scored a goal during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. The teams played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s David Martínez, center, celebrates after his goal as Austin FC’s Julio Cascante shows his frustration during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC midfielder Ilie Sánchez kicks the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman, second from left, kicks the ball away from a pair of Austin FC players during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC defender Maxime Chanot chases the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Jon Gallagher, left, clears the ball in front of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC forward Kei Kamara, front, vies for the ball with Austin FC forward CJ Fodrey during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC forward David Martínez controls the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Olivier Giroud, center, cuts back with the ball in traffic during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC midfielder Mateusz Bogusz kicks the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Eddie Segura, bottom right, reacts as he collides with Austin FC’s Diego Rubio during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, left, kicks the ball in front of Austin FC defender Julio Cascante during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC defender Sergi Palencia, right, controls the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Alexander Ring (8) calls for the ball from LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC midfielder Eduard Atuesta kicks the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Sergi Palencia, right, passes the ball past Austin FC’s Guilherme Biro during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC defender Aaron Long, front, heads the ball in front of Austin FC forward Diego Rubio, left, during the first half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Ilie Sánchez, left, holds Austin FC’s Gyasi Zardes during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC forward Olivier Giroud recovers the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, right, recovers the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LAFC’s Timothy Tillman dribbles the ball in front of Austin FC’s Daniel Pereira during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, right, chases Austin FC’s Leo Väisänen during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s Kei Kamara dribbles the ball away from Austin FC’s CJ Fodrey during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC defender Erik Dueñas kicks the ball during the second half of their MLS match against Austin FC on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Austin FC’s Julio Cascante, center, keeps LAFC’s Denis Bouanga from the ball during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Austin FC’s Julio Cascante keeps LAFC’s Denis Bouanga during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAFC’s David Martínez, left, defends against Austin FC’s Leo Väisänen during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, left, vies for the ball with Austin FC forward Jon Gallagher during the second half of their MLS match on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LOS ANGELES — A nod to the Los Angeles Football Club’s past preceded a look at its future.
Following a press conference on Wednesday addressing Carlos Vela’s re-signing following his 10-month stint as a free agent, LAFC hosted Austin FC in need of points and a boost off of its disappointing outcome against the Galaxy last weekend.
With Vela, 35, watching from the stands, earning cheers from the fans each time he was shown on the BMO Stadium video screen, 18-year-old David Martínez’s introduction to the action in the second half quickly made a difference. His goal in the 62nd minute leveled the match at 1-1, salvaging a point on a night that could have delivered much more than that for the hosts.
“I’m happy I was able to contribute to the draw,” Martínez said. “I’m happy for the input of the team. Not very happy because we’re at home and didn’t win, but despite all that the team gave a great effort coming back. It gives me great confidence because I have had a few games I wanted to play and I think that helps.”
When FC Dallas fell to Real Salt Lake earlier in the evening, LAFC could have clinched its sixth playoff berth in seven seasons had it won.
LAFC also missed out on a chance to gain three points on the first-place Galaxy, which lost 4-2 at Portland, but the point against Austin allowed the hosts to reclaim control of their own destiny for the top seed in the Western Conference with two games in hand on their rival.
Coach Steve Cherundolo’s team was slow to establish a rhythm and create chances in the opening half. To their credit, though, they gave up very little.
What should have been a scoreless game at the break became a 1-0 deficit on the last kick in stoppage time.
The door was left open for Austin (9-12-8, 35 points) thanks to a poor giveaway by defender Aaron Long near the box, which was immediately played to Austin’s Jáder Obrian, who calmly finished his sixth goal of the season on the visitor’s only shot on target through the first 45 minutes.
“We’ve seen that before in recent weeks and that’s impossible to win games in a fatigued state at this stage of the season if you’re making errors like that,” Cherundolo said.
Featuring a starting attack of Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud and Mateusz Bogusz, LAFC (14-7-7, 49 points) was unable to engineer much.
“I thought with the ball we could have created more in the first half but were too rushed and impatient,” Cherundolo said. “Our choice-making of passes was often times too risky, with not enough reward.”
Giroud managed the best chance for LAFC before halftime, connecting on a strike from just outside the box that forced a terrific diving save in the 25th minute from Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
Introduced near the 1-hour mark to start a sequence of several substitutions for LAFC, Martínez’s equalizer unfolded when Giroud, making his fourth start in the club’s last five games, delivered a deft back pass to Eduard Atuesta.
The Colombian midfielder pushed toward the Austin box where he found Ryan Hollingshead, whose cross rolled neatly to Martínez in front of goal.
“David Martínez was good when he came in,” Cherundolo said. “It is nice to have him back and functioning and it made a difference.”
When the Venezuelan touched in his third goal in all competitions with the Black & Gold, a jolt sparked across the stadium for the first time since the close of Leagues Cup competition last month.
“The goal we scored was exactly what we showed the boys at the half,” Cherundolo said. “Staying patient. Finding one more pass. Getting off the edge, going from side-to-side, not just jamming it up the middle, and it ended up working for a good goal. There were more good solutions out there that we chose not to find. That’s the only disappointing thing in my eyes, really. We had a feeling it would be tight tonight and it could be a 1-0 game but an error made it 1-1.”
After piecing together a club-record 13-game unbeaten run up through a dominant victory in its Leagues Cup semifinal against Colorado, LAFC has gone 1-3-2 in its last six matches.
As Giroud assimilates and the team battles through a congested schedule with Vela once again on the roster – nearly half of whom he did not play with in 2023 – six MLS regular-season contests remain as well as the U.S. Open Cup final at home against Sporting Kansas City next week.
“I think something we all wanted was a club legend to come back,” said Martinez, one of the newcomers Vela will need to connect with. “We thank him for coming back and he can help us out as quickly as possible. Personally, I’m happy to be able to share the locker room and the pitch with him.”
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