By Alex Thierry
The reigning Concacaf Champions Cup champions entered the match looking to continue Liga MX’s strong Quarterfinal run after León and Monterrey secured their places in the Semifinals a day earlier. Austin FC, meanwhile, was looking to become the first MLS team to advance to the next round.
Toluca started on the front foot but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Austin FC gradually settled into the match and restored some balance before a hard challenge from Joseph Rosales resulted in a red card following a VAR review, changing the complexion of the game.
Antonio Mohamed’s side immediately looked to capitalize on the extra man and pushed for a breakthrough before halftime, but Austin held firm to send the match into the break scoreless.
The Diablos Rojos pinned Austin deep in its own half to start the second period and continued searching for the opening goal until Toluca was awarded a penalty. Helinho converted from the spot to put the Mexican side ahead. He continued to create danger afterward, but several big saves from Brad Stuver kept Austin within one.
Despite playing with 10 men, the Verde & Black showed plenty of character and pushed for an equalizer as regulation time wound down, using set pieces and a high press to put Toluca under pressure. The Diablos Rojos were forced to defend deep and clear their lines despite having the numerical advantage.
Stuver even joined the attack in stoppage time, delivering a cross into the box before going forward again for Austin’s final corner kick. Toluca then broke on the counter, with Jorge Díaz finding himself one-on-one with Stuver and finishing to seal the 2-0 victory on the final play of the match.
Toluca advances to the Semifinals to face León, continuing an impressive Quarterfinal showing from Liga MX. Three Mexican clubs have already secured places in the final four, with Club América still to face Columbus Crew for the remaining spot.
REACTIONS
- Toluca Head Coach Antonio Mohamed
- “We weren’t able to put the game away earlier with 11 men, and we ended up suffering. We became stretched because they were playing long balls and we weren’t able to control possession. Still, I’m happy because winning and reaching the Semifinals is never easy.”
- Austin FC Head Coach Davy Arnaud
- “The red card changes the game. We came out in the second half, conceded the penalty, but the way the guys fought and grinded, I couldn’t be more proud. The way they responded, I had the feeling we were going to get the equalizer.”
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Toluca
- Helinho scored the game-winner and was one of Toluca’s biggest attacking threats until being substituted in the 85th minute.
GAME NOTES
- Joseph Rosales left Austin FC with 10 men after being sent off in the 40th minute.
- Toluca finished the game with 25 shots (9 on target).
- Brad Stuver had a strong night finishing with eight saves.
- Despite Austin FC’s late attacking push, Toluca did not allow a shot on target.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Toluca: Nicolás Castro (‘66), Federico Pereira (‘69), Brian García (‘84)
- Austin FC: Besard Savovic (‘29), Oleksandr Svatok (‘50)
- Red Cards:
- Austin FC: Joseph Rosales (‘40), Ilie Sánchez (‘74, bench), Guilherme Biro (after the final whistle)
LOOKING AHEAD
- Toluca will face León in the 2026 Leagues Cup Semifinals.
- Austin FC has been eliminated from Leagues Cup and will return to MLS action against the Portland Timbers.
