Austin Can’t Finish Against Portland

Austin FC’s performance against the Portland Timbers reminded me of an old drinking song that ends in “second verse, same as the first.”  Ironically, the results would have been easier to take, had I been drinking. 

The Verde and Black fell to Portland by a final score of 2-to-1.    Austin has earned one point in the last seven matches.  And it avoided a seven-game losing streak with a last second goal against New England. 

In a short 14-minute post-game interview, Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff said: “Disappointing result.  It is a story we have seen before.” And  “We’ve seen this before.”  And “It’s frustrating.  I’m sure it gets old to hear.” 

Austin controlled the first 30 minutes of the match, creating several scoring chances, controlling play and in generally looking like they wanted the win.  That all ended in the 39th minute with Felipe Mora’s unassisted goal.  

Wolff blamed the player for tonight’s results. “The first 30 minutes were ripe with opportunities and you have to take them.  It fell to multiple players,” said Wolff.  “They had very little desire to play.” 

The match became even more slanted when Portland’s Evander found the back of the net in the 65th minute. 

Sebastian Driussi responded six minutes later for Austin, but there is only so much one individual can. 

By the numbers, this was Austin’s match.  They dominated time of possession 67% to 33%.  They out-shot Portland 16-to-14.  But they fell short in the most critical of areas, desire. 

Austin goes on the road to play New York Red Bull and LA Galaxy.