Davy Arnaud lamented Austin FC’s sluggish display in their 4-1 loss to Nashville SC and urged his players to take responsibility ahead of their MLS clash with Los Angeles FC.
Austin was blown out last time by the Eastern Conference leaders, snapping an eight-game unbeaten streak in the process.
It’s a loss that leaves the Black and Verde in 13th place in the West, five points behind ninth-placed LA Galaxy with six games to play.
And Arnaud was particularly disappointed with Austin’s performance last time out, saying he seemed detached.
“We have to understand that we need 11 guys on the same page and pulling in the same direction,” he said after the Nashville loss.
“I don’t think we did. They outplayed us in every part of the game. They outplayed us in every part of the game.
“Players have to take responsibility to be self-starters and we didn’t do that. Everything we talked about and worked on defensively didn’t go well.”
LAFC’s first game under Xavi Tamarit ended in a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out, finishing sixth in the West having played more games than the surrounding teams.
They are winless in their last four league games – alternating between a loss and a draw in that run – and have won just one of their last 11 MLS outings.
Good news came from the field as defender Eddie Segura signed a new contract with an option for an additional year until the 2029-30 season.
“Eddie has earned the trust and respect of everyone at this club through his consistency, professionalism and leadership,” LAFC President of Football Operations John Torrington said.
“He has played an important role in some of the greatest moments in our history, and his character, humility and commitment to the team exemplify the qualities we value and want to reward at LAFC.”
“We are excited to have Eddie and his family remain an important part of this club as we continue our quest for more championships.”
#LAFC and Eddie Segura have agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-2030 season with an option between 2030-2031.
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 12, 2026
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Denis Buanga
Denis Bouanga has scored eight goals in 10 career matches against Austin in all competitions, more than any other player against Verde since the club joined MLS in 2021.
Austin is one of five teams Bouanga has scored at least eight goals in his LAFC career.
Austin FC – Brandon Vasquez
Brandon Vazquez scored Austin’s lone goal in their loss to Nashville SC.
Either Vazquez (two) or Christian Ramirez (four) has scored Austin’s last six regular-season goals since Sept. 9.
Match prediction: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
Austin is unbeaten in five straight regular season meetings (2B 3D) with Los Angeles, including a 0-0 tie on March 21st. LAFC swept Austin in the first round of last season’s playoffs, winning 6-2 over two legs.
But LAFC has won just one of its last 11 regular-season matches (D6 L4) dating back to early August, including a four-game losing streak (D2 L2). Only five teams have scored fewer than nine points during that span.
Austin’s eight-game regular season unbeaten streak ended with a 4-1 loss at home to Nashville.
They are unbeaten in four straight away defeats (3 D1s), although it is the second-longest streak in the club’s history (six in a row – 5 D1s – between June and July 2022).
OPTA WIN probability
Los Angeles FC – 64.7%
Win – 19.3%
Austin FC – 16%