Austin FC Eliminated From MLS Playoff Race

A 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake officially ends Austin FC's postseason aspirations for the current campaign.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Soccer

Austin FC Eliminated From MLS Playoff Race

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Austin FC fell 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at Q2 Stadium, confirming the club will miss the MLS playoffs for the third time in four years. The loss leaves the team with 34 points and eliminates them from postseason contention.

Why it matters

Missing the playoffs serves as a significant setback for the franchise, which has not secured a postseason victory since 2022. The result solidifies the team's standing outside the playoff picture as they look toward the 2027 season.

Austin FC currently holds an 8-14-10 record, trailing ninth-place Colorado by 2 points. The club can reach a maximum of 40 points this season.

The players

Austin FC

An American professional soccer club based in Austin that competes as a member of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer.

Real Salt Lake

A professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer and is based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.

Jorge Alastuey

A professional soccer player who scored his first career goal during the match against Real Salt Lake.

Saba Lobjanidze

A professional soccer player who contributed a goal to the Real Salt Lake victory.

Morgan Guilavogui

A professional soccer player who scored the deciding goal for Real Salt Lake in the win over Austin FC.

The details

Real Salt Lake secured the win through goals from Saba Lobjanidze and Morgan Guilavogui, overcoming an early second-half strike from Jorge Alastuey. Alastuey's goal marked the first of his career, though it was not enough to prevent the home defeat.

October 28, 2026: Austin FC lost to Real Salt Lake.
2022: Austin FC last won a postseason game.

Season Trajectory

This elimination confirms the club will miss the playoffs for the third time in four years, signaling a lack of competitive consistency. The team now turns its attention to restructuring ahead of the 2027 season.

The loss officially eliminates Austin FC from contention, moving the club to a maximum potential finish of 40 points this year. The team now remains 2 points behind ninth-place Colorado with no path to the postseason.

The takeaway

The team must now focus on long-term development following the conclusion of their playoff run. Fans can expect management to shift priorities toward building a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2027.