Nathan Ordaz scored in the 79th minute Wednesday night and Los Angeles FC knocked off visiting Austin FC 2-1 for a 1-0 lead in the teams' best-of-3 first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Coming on in the 74th minute for Mathieu Choiniere, Ordaz made the instant impact coach Steve Cherundolo desired. Denis Bouanga's shot from the left side of the box deflected off a defender, went over goalie Brad Stuver's head and was chipped into the net by Ordaz.

Austin protested for an offside flag, but the goal was allowed to stand, meaning LAFC can advance to the conference semifinals if it can win on Sunday night in Austin. A possible third game would take place Nov. 8 in Los Angeles.

The visitors equalized 1-1 in the 63rd minute via Jon Gallagher. Off a cross in the middle of the box, Myr

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