Austin FC II advanced to the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final on Sunday night at Starfire Stadium, defeating Tacoma Defiance 1-0.
Austin had their first opportunity to score in the 25th minute when David Rodríguez received the ball inside the box, but his shot was saved by Defiance goalkeeper Jacob Castro. In the 69th minute, Defiance was reduced to 10 players as Abdoulaye Cissoko received a red card and was sent off.
Austin broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute when Valentin Noël scored, giving the Verde & Black the 1-0 lead. Rodriguez delivered a cross from the right flank that found Noël near the back post, who slotted the ball past Castro. In the final minute of stoppage time, Damian Las blocked Adolfo Ovalle's shot, securing back-to-back clean sheets for ATXFC II in the playoffs. The victory sends ATXFC II to the Western Conference Final, where they will face Colorado Rapids 2.
Goal-Scoring Summary
ATX (0-1) – Valentin Noël (assisted by David Rodríguez) 82’
Next Match
Austin FC II will play at Colorado Rapids 2 in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final on a time and date to be determined.
