October, 2022
By Baily Benitez, Staff Reporter
Sunday night in ATX, under the green lights of Q2 stadium, stood 11 men willing to give it all out on the field to secure a spot in the MLS final.
The team’s second playoff game, which took place on Sunday, October 23 against Fc Dallas, was a great one. Starting with a great defensive line and attacking four which included our MVP, Sebastian Driussi, Fagundez, Finlay, and Dijette, took on the Fc Dallas bulls. In the 26th minute, Moussa Djitte put Austin in the lead with an amazing goal. The supporter section went crazy. Three minutes later, Sebastian Driussi took on two defenders and managed to turn on the green lights in the 29th minute with an absolute banger. Photographer, Tony Fuentes was there and said “It’s an electrifying feeling when you’re at Q2 stadium.” MLS Final secured.
That was Austin Fc’s second playoff game. The first one occurred on October 16th against Real Salt Lake. With just three minutes into the match, a ball was placed perfectly by the near post for RSL’s forward Sergio Cordova, who headed the ball into the far left corner of the net. Then in the 15th minute, Cordova scored his second goal from the spot after Jhohan Valencia was whistled for a hand ball in the eighteen yard box.
Austin needed to make a comeback. With thirty one minutes into the match, Fagundez took the ball down the sideline and made a great cross. Boom. Driussi split defenders and scored an absolutely astonishing header that was beyond the reach of Salt Lake’s goalkeeper, MacMath. Sixty minutes later at the ninetieth minute mark, the whistle blew. A penalty was conceded by Scott Cadwell due to a handball in the penalty area, giving Austin an opportunity to tie the game. MVP, Sebastian Driussi, walks up to take the penalty.
The crowd went crazy, knowing they had a very strong chance of making a comeback. Driussi took his space and once again, didn’t disappoint. He sent the ball to the left bottom corner and tied the game 2-2. Beer went everywhere. Fans went crazy. The stadium lights turned green while everyone cheered and yelled… DRIUSSI.
The final whistle blew and they went into overtime. Two 15 min halves were played and neither team was able to score. We all knew what was next: Penalty shootout. RSL was first to kick. Silva walks up and makes the first PK. Up next, Driussi walked to the 12 yard line and scored the PK for Austin. Then Fagundez and Rigoni scored while all three salt lake players: Brody, Ojeda and Schmitt missed their penalties. First round of playoffs was a success, now onto the semi final!
In the end, everything had paid off. Austin F.C. struggled in their inaugural campaign in 2021. They finished 12th place in the Western conference with 9 wins, 4 draws and 21 losses. Both MVP’s, Cecilio Dominguez and Diego Fagundez, led the club with 7 goals. There were many changes that needed to be made in order to ensure the success of this team. The change needed to be made by the one and only, Coach Wolf. Fan Kelsey Alvarado, said “Wolf’s style of play is exciting to watch, however, it leaves you vulnerable and our inaugural year was underwhelming due to many factors, the biggest is creating the cohesive chemistry that bonds a winning team together.”
Overall, we have all seen a major change in the team. From only 19 points last season to 25 more points in the 2022 season. They tied the league record for the biggest improvement in two years. The team made many improvements through many aspects. Everyone knows that having good chemistry is the main factor in a winning team. Coach Wolf definitely did a great job in making major changes in his set pieces, including his players’ style of play. Alvarado said “Their second season you can see the intention and creativity working well for Los Verdes, with electric pace and play, stellar goalkeeping and heart.”
AFC Fan & KAC teacher Vita Tijerina, said “We always were the underdog and always came back scoring…And the fact that we made it to the playoffs this year [it] shows a big improvement on the team, but also on Coach Wolf.”
This city bleeds verde.
The Cardinal Post 