WEEK 4 WESTERN CONFERENCE ROUND UP

Week 4 Western Conference Round up

Written by Chris Kators

The MLS Western Conference delivered drama and key moments this past weekend, with teams battling for early-season dominance. 

 Austin FC stuns LAFC at BMO Stadium 
In one of the weekend’s biggest surprises, Austin FC pulled off a surprising 1-0 win over LAFC in Los Angeles. Guilherme Biro’s early strike in the 12th minute was enough to hand Austin the full three points. Despite LAFC pressing for an equalizer, Austin’s defense held firm to secure the upset. 
 
Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy share the spoils 
At Providence Park, Portland and LA Galaxy played to a 1-1 draw in a match defined by late drama. Felipe Mora put the Timbers ahead early in the second half, but Cristian Ramírez came to the rescue for LA with an 81st-minute equalizer, ensuring both sides left with a point. 
 
St. Louis CITY SC outlasts Seattle Sounders 
St. Louis CITY SC continues to showcase their defensive grit, securing a 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders. Eduard Löwen scored the lone goal from a direct free kick in the 15th minute, and the hosts locked things down from there. Remarkably, St. Louis recorded yet another shutout despite missing star goalkeeper Roman Bürki. 
 
San Diego FC stays unbeaten against Columbus Crew 
San Diego FC maintained their unbeaten streak but had to settle for a point at home against Eastern Conference champions Columbus Crew. After Columbus took an early lead through Maximilian Arfsten, Onni Valakari’s second-half equalizer helped San Diego keep their solid start to the season alive. 
 
Western Conference Standings Update 
Vancouver Whitecaps FC currently sits onto the Western Conference standings, with San Diego FC and St. Louis CITY SC hot on their heels. 
 
With early momentum building and teams showing flashes of brilliance, the Western Conference race is already shaping up to be highly competitive.