Despite a goal from Austin FC Academy product Bryan Arellano, Austin FC II opened the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with a 3-1 defeat to Tacoma Defiance on Friday night at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center.
Early in the first half, Austin midfielder Micah Burton saw a strong shot from inside the box saved, and goalkeeper Marcus Alstrup made a fingertip stop to deny Tacoma in the 24th minute.
The Verde & Black then went down to 10 men a few minutes into the second half. Alonso Ramírez made a terrific goal line clearance moments later, but the Defiance eventually made their numerical advantage count, taking the lead on a header by Stuart Hawkins in the 67th minute.
Tacoma doubled its advantage in the 75th minute as Faysal Bettache finished a low cross from Georgi Minoungou. Though Arellano pulled a goal back with an excellent curled finish in the 83rd, ATXFC II couldn’t quite tie the match, and the visitors sealed the result with a third goal in stoppage time.
Goal-Scoring Summary
TAC (0-1) – Stuart Hawkins (unassisted) 67’
TAC (0-2) – Faysal Bettache (assisted by Georgi Minoungou) 75’
ATX (1-2) – Bryan Arellano (unassisted) 83'
TAC (1-3) – Raul Miglietti (assisted by Kalani Kossa-Rienzi) 90+4'
Match Information
Venue: Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center (Austin, TX)
Weather: Cloudy, 65 degrees
Referee: Melvin Rivas
Next Match
Austin FC II will host Foro SC at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center in the First Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m. CT.
