CF Pachuca Tops Austin FC in International Friendly

Liga MX’s CF Pachuca “Los Tuzos” handily defeated MLS’s Austin FC, 4-1, in an international friendly match played at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.  Pachuca tallied four first half goals which were matched by a single second half penalty goal by Austin. 

Pachuca took the lead in the 3rd minute of play, capitalizing on an errant pass and culminating in Roberto de la Rosa’s goal.  Nicolas Ibanez doubled Pachuca’s lead on an easy tap-in in the 22nd minute.  Gustavo Cabral score again for Los Tuzos on a header from the center of the box in the 28th minute.  Erick Sanchez added the team’s final goal near the end of the first half, easily beating Austin GK Brad Stuver. 

Austin opened the second half with wholesale substitutions, including placing Andrew Tarbell between the posts. 

Sebastian Druissi found the back of the net two minutes into the second half on a penalty kick set-up by a foul against Diego Fagundez.  Druissi had a second penalty kick opportunity which was well defended by Pachuca GK Carlos Moreno. 

Austin came close late in the match on a Danny Hoesen rocket that ricocheted off the post. 

Speaking on behalf of the team after the match was Austin FC midfielder Felipe Martins. 

“Today was a good exhibition, but not the result we wanted. It’s a reminder, a reminder that we have to be a team that is tough to play against,” said Martins.   

 “Tonight was a lesson.  We need to be better and more relentless.”