Los Angeles FC - Austin FC 03/15/25

When Los Angeles FC and Austin FC clash on Saturday night, one thing is certain: the corner flags are going to fly. We have an LAFC team that has played more football than anyone else in MLS so far, and an Austin FC team that hasn't exactly found its way to the goal, but is pumping out corners like they're on Black Friday.

With Los Angeles back at home after an intense Champions Cup clash against the Columbus Crew, and Austin desperate to find a way out of their goal crisis, this looks like a game where the shots are going to be flying.

Los Angeles FC: Many games, many corners

If you think LAFC has already played a lot of football this year, you'd be right. They've squeezed in six official matches in less than a month, including a doubleheader against Columbus in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they ultimately advanced.

So far in MLS, they've shown two sides of themselves - a defensively solid team that won their first two games 1-0, and a team that was ripped to shreds 5-2 by the Seattle Sounders in the final game. But one thing is for sure: they're not afraid to throw everything forward.

In their four games, they have produced 18 corners, but here's the interesting bit - they have also conceded 29. This means their games are often open, with a lot of play at both ends. Austin is not a team that creates a ton of chances, but they always get their corners.

Austin FC: Goals? No. Corners? Yes!

Austin FC has started the season with three games where the final score has been either 1-0 or 0-1. It's almost like they think they're playing in Serie A in the 90s. They've struggled to get the ball in the net, but that doesn't mean they're not trying.

Austin have as many points as games played, but when it comes to corners, they are far more productive. With 22 corners in three games, they seem to thrive better out at the flag than in front of goal.) They are a team that pepper crosses into the box, test the opposition's defense and often end up getting set pieces instead of netting.

Additionally, they have played two fewer games than LAFC, as the hosts have been busy with the Champions Cup. Fresher legs often mean more running, and more running means more corners.

Conclusion: Corners are the way to go

The game could quickly become more even than people think, but it's not certain that the goals will come. Austin is solid at the back, but ineffective up front. LAFC tends to give up chances, but also has an attacking line that likes to keep the opposing goalkeeper warm.

That means we see a game with lots of interruptions, lots of crosses and lots of set pieces – everything we need to believe that the corner play is the way to go.

Game suggestions:

MLS At 20:45: Los Angeles FC - Austin FC: Over 9.5 corners (1.68)

Here's to hoping that the posts continue to pour in, and the corner flag has a busy evening!