By Franco Domínguez
Austin FC showed it was up to the challenge against tougher competition, earning a draw against Club América in the final match of Phase One.
It certainly wasn’t easy. Even though América fielded an alternate starting XI, Las Águilas still controlled the majority of possession and generated more shots than their MLS opponent.
The first half was evenly contested, with few clear opportunities for either side. The best chance came after the cooling break, when Myrto Uzuni connected with a header that was saved by América goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
The intensity picked up in the second half, with América taking control and pushing for the opening goal. Just three minutes after the restart, Las Águilas went ahead following a cross that resulted in an own goal by Jon Gallagher.
América appeared to be on its way to victory and continued searching for a second goal, but Brian Rodríguez missed a couple of opportunities that went off target.
Austin FC, however, proved it didn’t need many chances to make an impact, especially with a forward like Uzuni leading the attack. Myrto produced a beautiful curling strike that started outside the post before bending into the net, leaving Cota with little more to do than watch as Austin pulled level.
With the match tied, América once again took control in search of the lead. Las Águilas nearly found it a few minutes later when Sebastián Cáceres connected with a header that went just wide of the right post.
Christian Ramirez then had an opportunity to put Austin ahead in the 83rd minute, but he sent Ervin Torres’ cross high and wide.
The match ultimately ended in a draw, with both teams securing their places in the next round after 90 minutes. Austin FC then prevailed 6-5 in the penalty shootout to claim the extra point and put the finishing touch on a strong Phase One campaign.
REACTIONS
- Austin FC Interim Head Coach Davy Arnaud
- "The job that our fans did tonight inspires you, it inspires the team, the group, the whole club. I thought they did a great job ... It's a difficult game against a good opponent, they're very good and they have a ton of individual quality. They cause real problems."
- America Head Coach Guillermo Almada
- "Our people, hats off to them because one more time they show great support. This made for a great atmosphere for the fans that were here and also for the players themselves ... It was tough playing here. The heat, the humidity, the players suffered from it but we have to adapt to the circumstances where we play".
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Austin FC
- Myrto Uzuni, the Albanian forward, scored the team´s fourth straight goal and returned them to life after being down 0-1. He also scored his penalty kick in the shootout.
GAME NOTES
- The match marked the first official meeting between Austin FC and Club America.
- With this goal Myrto Uzuni is tied with Leon´s Daniel Arcila with 4 goals in the tournament.
- America advances to the knockout stage having missed it in last year´s cup while Austin FC will advance for the first time in their history to the next phase.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Club América: Alan Cervantes, Erick Sanchez
- Austin FC: Evin Torres, Besard Sabovic
LOOKING AHEAD
- Austin continues their MLS season with a matchup vs FC Dallas on August 16th
- Club América returns to Liga MX action on August 16th vs Atlético San Luis
