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Austin FC continues MLS playoffs march

Austin FC forward Sebastián Driussi makes a pass during the MLS playoff match between Austin FC and FC Dallas last Sunday at Q2 Stadium. Photo: David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Verde and Black continue their storybook season on Sunday. Driving the news: In only its second season, Austin FC will play in the MLS Western Conference finals, against LAFC in Los Angeles. Why it matters: There's redemption in this world. In its first campaign, Austin was a league bottom-dweller — and now they're one win away from the championship game. Behind the turnaround: Resilience. All season long, Austin FC has come from behind to knock out opponents, including from a 2-0 deficit in the first round of the playoffs. Time. Players needed to absorb manager Josh Wolff's possession-focused strategy, Landon Cotham, co-host of the Austin FC podcast tells Axios.The emergence of white-hot forward Sebastián Driussi, the Argentine player who joined Austin FC in the back half of last season and has scored 25 goals and 7 assists this year. He's a threat from every spot in the scoring third.Off-season pickups. Norwegian player has "made the biggest splash by far, easily adjusting to the infamous physicality of the MLS and bossing opposition attackers," . What they're saying: Gabrielsen and other off-season acquisitions — Felipe Martins, Maxi Urruti and Ethan Finlay — have "really helped the locker-room chemistry, the sense of family, the sense of belief within the group," Cotham says. Between the lines: Austin FC beat LAFC in their two matchups this season — but LAFC has the better overall record. How to watch: 2pm Sunday on ABC. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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