Seattle Downs Austin in Lackluster Match

Neither team deserved the win, but Austin deserved it less for lack of effort on its home pitch.  The Seattle Sounders FC defeated the Austin FC 1-to-nil. 

Seattle’s Jordan Morris scored the contests only goal in the 63rd minute on a left footed shot from the center of the box.  Paul Rothrock and Obed Vargas assisted. 

Austin’s play lacked energy, except for the final ten minutes when they were a man down.  Brendan Hines-Ike was shown two yellow cards within a span of 20 minutes, the second occurring in the 82nd minute. 

Statically, Austin put up respectable numbers, controlling possession 55 to 45% and out-shooting Seattle 12-to-9, but they never really threatened. 

Team Captain Sebastian Driussi was not a factor, taking a total of five shots, but whiffing from point-blank range in from of the keeper. 

Gyasi Zardes magic from last week’s match didn’t re-appear with the striker taking only a single shot.    

Goalkeeper Brad Stuver did a respectable job, facing down 11 of 12 shots, four on target, but lapses in the defense made his task more difficult. 

Temper flared at the match’s end, with Guilherme Biro, Nouhou Tolo, and Albert Rusnak entering a pushing contest in the final minutes.  Earlier in the math Tolo was shown a yellow card for a cheap shot against Biro. 

All hope for the season is pinned on new additions Osman Bukari and Mikkel Desler who were introduced prior to match play.  They will be eligible to play on July 19th, in time for the match against Charlotte.