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LAFC became the first away team to beat Austin FC in a 2-0 win at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday night. A rare mistake by Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver turned into a LAFC goal from Jose Cifuentes in the 39th minute. Diego Rossi lost a second after a pass from Carlos Vela in the 89th minute to prevent the game.
It was the second time this season that Austin FC lost to the LAFC in the season opener after losing 2-0 in Los Angeles on April 17. Austin FC took five points in their four home standings.
“As a team, it was frustrating not to take advantage of the opportunities we created,” said Matt Besler after the game. “We score goals as a team, just like we defend as a team. Obviously it’s frustrating that we don’t score enough goals.”
Austin FC had control of the action for most of the first half, with over 60 percent possession at halftime. For Austin FC, however, a common problem returned as ball control and chances resulted in few real scoring opportunities.
Relive the action:Austin FC meet LAFC in search of their second straight win
Austin FC managed only three shots on goal out of a total of nine shots in the first 45 minutes. The LAFC recorded 10 shots in the first half, including five on target. A goal by Carlos Vela in the 24th minute was disregarded after VAR overruled it due to a previous foul on Alex Ring.
The goal wasn’t the only bad news for Austin FC in the first half. Midfield starter Daniel Pereira was injured and was replaced by Sebastian Berhalter in the 34th minute. The LAFC took the lead five minutes later. Pereira returned from a separate injury in the last game and the rookie is one of Austin FC’s most valued players. The club didn’t look the same in the line-up without him.
“It’s disappointing to lose players. I don’t know how big it is, but he felt something in his abdomen,” said Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff after the game. “(Tomás) Pochettino was also missing so we were missing some real key players in midfield.”
Austin FC retained control of the ball for most of the second half. The LAFC did not record a single shot until the 77th minute. Austin FC couldn’t take advantage of it. The Verde and the Black have failed to turn opportunities into threats. El Tree has been ruled out for the seventh time in their last nine games.
Ring missed his best chance with a corner kick in the 74th minute, but his wide open header went wide. Diego Fagundez had a chance in the 49th minute after a clever pass from Žan Kolmanič. A free kick by Cecilio Domínguez in the 87th minute did little to counter the LAFC goal.
Austin FC remains in 10th place in the Western Conference with 13 points in 13 games.
Austin FC Man of the Game – Diego Fagundez
A fan favorite since joining Austin FC, Diego Fagundez has become the club’s most important cog in midfield, with Alex Ring falling behind in possession near the center-backs. Fagundez is tied with three goals and was active again on Wednesday evening, pushing the ball forward, making space in the middle of the field and even starting a few attacks with persistent defensive work.
Next up for Austin FC
A welcome break in the MLS schedule comes for Austin FC. The group won’t play an official game again until July 22nd against the Seattle Sounders. El Tree closes the month of July with a road match against Vancouver on July 28th in Salt Lake City and a home game against Colorado. Austin FC will be in action once during the break when the club meets Liga MX club Tigres UANL at the Q2 stadium on Tuesday.
“We have to work to end the attacks and end the last action,” said Wolff about the upcoming break. “We’ll be able to get more reps. It’s difficult to work so much on the field right on schedule because of the heat and relaxation between games.”
Q2 Stadium Food of the Game – Pluckers Wing Bar
The order: Wings and boneless fries
Every Austinite prays at the Pluckers Altar, and for good reason. The Chicken Wing Spot is the go-to place for sporting events, fried pickles, and big mug beers. Pluckers is located in the south-eastern part of the Q2 stadium and serves wings and fries, accompanied by a selected number of sauces. I went with my favorite – Baker’s Gold. The sauce came on the side and there weren’t enough fries compared to three large strips of chicken, but it tasted great and was plenty of food for $ 13.50.
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