Historic Night for Austin FC

The Austin FC (3-4-5) behaved just like a Central Texas summer: a long dry spell quenched by a hurricane.  The dry spell included six shutouts over the last seven matches.  And the hurricane came by way of a massive 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers (4-1-6).  The match included the first home-pitch goal and the first home win for the Verde & Black. 

The first MLS goal in Q2 Stadium history came in the 28th minute of play from the left foot of Jon Gallagher from the center of the box, past Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark, to the center of goal.  The score was set-up by a pass from Tomas Pochettino.  The score released the celebration of a capacity after a 200-plus minute wait. 

Austin added to their lead five minutes later when a right footed shot by Diego Fagundez from the center of the box found the net.  Cecilio Dominguez and Julio Cascante assisted on the score. 

The Timbers mounted a response as time was expiring in the first half.  Passes by Diego Valeria and Marvin Loria positioned Jeremy Ebobisse from point blank range for a shot to the high center of the goal. 

Austin took a 2-1 lead into the intermission. 

Team captain Alex Ring gave Austin an cushion goal in the 77th minute, taking a pass from Cecilo Dominguez and slotting the ball around the Timbers’ goalkeeper to the bottom left corner of the goal.  Hector Jimenez’s goal in the 81st minute put the match beyond the reach of the Timbers. 

In addition to the score, Verde & Black controlled nearly every aspect of the match, leading in time of possession (69% to 31%), shots (13 to 5), shots on goal (8 to 1), total passes (614 to 271) and passing accuracy 91% to 81%).