Lozano scores in return as LA Galaxy routs Austin 4-1

Four goals separated the Los Angeles Galaxy from the Austin FC in a match played on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The final score was 4-1, a result that moves the Galaxy closer to the postseason cutline. The Galaxy finished with 44 points. They sit three points behind the Los Angeles FC, the current sixth-place team in the Western Conference. The LAFC plays Minnesota on Sunday in a contest that could affect the standings.

The Galaxy has not lost at Dignity Health Sports Park since July 22. Austin remains in last place in the West with 34 points. Marco Reus recorded three assists in the win. João Klauss opened the scoring at the 10-minute mark. Sergi Roberto intercepted a clearance attempt in Austin territory and passed to Harbor Miller. Miller passed the ball to Klauss at the penalty spot for the first goal.

Hirving Lozano scored the second goal at the 38-minute mark. It was his first match back from injury. Reus lofted the ball over the defense to find Lozano at the far post. Robert Taylor scored the third goal against his former team at the 48-minute mark. That goal gave Los Angeles a 3-0 lead. Ervin Torres reduced the deficit for Austin at the 54-minute mark with a long-range shot. It was his second goal of the season.

Roberto scored his first Major League Soccer goal at the 66-minute mark. He controlled a header from Reus with his chest and shot from near the penalty spot to make the score 4-1. In other matches on Saturday, Chicago Fire defeated Colorado Rapids 4-2. Robert Lewandowski scored for Chicago. The Fire now has 55 points, one behind Miami in the Eastern Conference with one week remaining in the regular season. Miami plays New England Revolution on Sunday.

Montreal Impact drew 1-1 with New York City FC at Citi Field. Daniel Ríos scored in the second minute of stoppage time. New York City is close to missing the playoffs. Cincinnati secured a playoff berth with a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union. San Jose Earthquakes beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 to move into third place in the West. Columbus Crew defeated D.C. United 3-0. They may secure a playoff spot on Sunday with help from Atlanta United and Nashville.

Charlotte FC crushed Orlando City 4-0. Allan Saint-Maximin scored the first of three second-half goals. San Diego LFC beat St. Louis City 1-0. Sporting Kansas City drew 1-1 with FC Dallas.