It was the cherry on top of a match with multiple hard fouls and yellow cards, and it also marked the final extinguishment of Austin FC’s playoff chances. The Verde & Black were mathematically still alive entering the game — though as noted in this space following a draw with Real Salt Lake on Sept.

Austin FC will not participate in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. A notion that’s been apparent for weeks became official late Saturday night when the Verde and Black lost, 2-1, to the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy beat Austin FC 2-1 on fan appreciation night in Carson and are on the cusp of winning their first Western Conference crown in 13 years.

It’s the ultimate test for Austin FC on Saturday when it comes to the Western Conference. The Verde & Black play the conference's top team on the road when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in their next-to-last game of the season.

Los Angeles Galaxy will be looking to take one step closer to finishing top of the MLS Western Conference when Austin FC come visiting the Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday. Both teams emerged victorious from their respective last outings and will be looking to pick up where they left off in this weekend's encounter.

In recent years, the Galaxy have struggled at home, including last season’s 6-5-6 record. This season, opponents haven’t been treated friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park and that continued in Saturday’s final home game of the regular season.