Why was the MLS game between Austin FC and LA Galaxy delayed by three hours?

The Verde and Black and the Galaxy played out a six-goal thriller at Q2 Stadium, which finished much later than expected.

Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Sep 25th, 2023 02:56 EDT

Scott WachterUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

It started on Sunday and finished on Monday (depending where you are), but the MLS Western Conference clash between Austin FC and LA Galaxy was well worth the wait. On X (formerly known as Twitter), “#MLSAfterDark” was how The Verde and Black referred to the game, which got underway at 12:30 a.m. ET and finished two hours later.

“Inclement weather” delays Austin vs the Galaxy

The fixture at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas had been scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET but kick-off eventually had to put back due to “inclement weather”. Q2 Stadium’s X account posted “A lightning strike has occurred within our safety perimeter. As a result we are now instituting a mandatory shelter-in-place protocol for all stadium guests”, followed by several updates forecasting when the threat of lighting would be over and the match would be able to begin.

☀️🏟️ pic.twitter.com/UQRYWUjT0H

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 24, 2023

Ironically enough, Austin FC had posted various snaps of their home ground in blistering sunshine only a few hours earlier.

LA Galaxy’s incredible late comeback

A lengthy wait for players and fans alike, but one which proved to be well worth it once play got underway. Injury-time goals were a recurring theme as Riqui Puig’s penalty for the Galaxy late in the first half cancelled out Alexander Ring’s early opener. However, Austin led at the break regardless, Ethan Finlay almost immediately restoring their lead.