Austin FC earned their fourth shutout of the season in a 0-0 draw with Columbus Crew tonight in front of a sellout crowd of 20,738 at Q2 Stadium. Despite a spirited performance and 17 shots against the defending MLS Cup Champions, Austin FC continue to seek its first goal and first win at Q2 Stadium.
The Verde and Black made clear its intention to attack from the opening kickoff as Austin FC’s Tomás Pochettino found fellow midfielder Jared Stroud pushing forward on the right flank. Midfielder Diego Fagundez met Stroud’s centering pass with a fierce side volley that narrowly missed the target just 18 seconds into the match.
For much of the first half, Austin looked comfortable in possession – even in deep in its defensive third – while making Columbus chase. The Crew countered in quick bursts that lacked precision. Late in the half, the clubs traded chances, the best of which was Pochettino’s 22-yard bid that Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room parried away at the near post.
Early in the second half, Crew playmaker Lucas Zelarayan’s deflected shot from distance forced a quality save from Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver. At the other end, Austin FC winger Jon Gallagher drove a low cross that teammate Cecilio DomÃnguez picked up to no avail. Stuver scooped up two more Zelarayan shots before denying Crew forward Gyasi Zardes from point-blank range in the 74th minute.
Energized by the home crowd, Austin FC continued to press forward until the final whistle. Fagundez fed DomÃnguez in the penalty area, but his shot sailed high. A couple late corner kicks failed to bear fruit for the home side.
