Austin FC vs LAFC score: 4 takeaways as Verde battles to scoreless MLS draw

AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Brendan Hines-Ike #4 of Austin FC and Son HeungMin #7 of Los Angeles FC fights for possession of the ball during the match between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Jefferson/Getty Images) (Daniel Jefferson/Getty Images) Even if it doesn’t show in the result, Austin FC played its best match of the year Saturday. And considering its roster has been hit with injuries to several key players since the start of training camp, the club’s scoreless draw at Q2 Stadium against an undefeated LAFC team in some ways feels like a winning outcome.

While Austin FC’s attack is still figuring things out — and still missing arguably its most important piece in midfielder Owen Wolff — the defense turned in one of the better performances in the club’s short history. Here are some key takeaways from the match as Austin FC (1-2-2, 5 points) gets some much-needed rest with the international break next week. Austin FC’s defense was phenomenal LAFC forwards Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga are arguably the most potent duo in the MLS Western Conference.

And sure, they had a few chances Saturday, but the Austin FC backline of Jon Bell, Brendan Hines-Ike, Oleksandr Svatok and Jon Gallagher was simply exceptional. Hines-Ike, in particular, might have had his best game as a professional, which was highlighted by chasing down Heung-min late in the game to prevent a one-on-one with goalie Brad Stuver. “It was the defense’s night tonight,” said Stuver, who only faced one shot on goal.

“It was amazing the entire game. … That’s probably the best I’ve ever seen (Hines-Ike) play. ” Hines-Ike’s performance is even more notable considering he’s been a quality player for the club since he joined it weeks before the 2024 season.