Austin FC's Season Ends With a 4-1 Loss at the LA Galaxy in Carson

Austin FC's season ended the way much of its final month went — chasing a game. The LA Galaxy beat Austin 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson in the regular-season finale, scoring twice in each half.

The Galaxy struck early and then again before the break. João Klauss opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a right-footed finish from the center of the box, set up by Harbor Miller, and Hirving Lozano doubled the lead in the 38th minute, heading in a cross from Marco Reus. Robert Taylor made it 3-0 three minutes into the second half.

Austin's answer came in the 54th minute, when Ervin Torres scored to cut the margin to 3-1, but the comeback never gathered. Sergi Roberto restored the three-goal cushion in the 66th minute, and 4-1 is how the season ended.

Austin arrived in Carson already eliminated — Real Salt Lake's 2-1 win at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday closed the playoff door — playing the finale for pride and for places in next season's plans, while the Galaxy needed a win and help to keep their own playoff hopes alive. Whether that help arrived elsewhere was not settled in the coverage read this run, and this story does not claim it. What is settled is Austin's season: it ends in Carson, with a 4-1 loss, and the work of the offseason starts now.