Austin FC II drew 2-2 with Minnesota United FC 2 on Thursday evening at National Sports Center Stadium. The goals came from Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jimmy Farkarlun as the Verde & Black moved to within five points of the playoff line in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference.
Farkarlun got things going in the 17th minute. The winger did well to close down Minnesota's keeper and block an attempted clearance back into the net. The goal was Farkarlun's fourth of the season, moving him into a tie for the team lead.
Byaruhanga then started the second half in spectacular fashion. Less than a minute after halftime, the Ugandan international saw the MNUFC2 keeper off his line and beat him with a clever chipped shot from distance.
But the hosts pulled off a comeback in the closing stages, scoring in the 82nd and 90th minutes to tie the match. Minnesota then won the ensuing penalty shootout and claimed the extra point on offer despite two saves from ATXFC II's Marcus Alstrup.
Goal-Scoring Summary
ATX (0-1) - Jimmy Farkarlun (unassisted) 17'
ATX (0-2) - Bobosi Byaruhanga (unassisted) 46'
MIN (1-2) - Rory O'Driscoll (penalty kick) 82'
MIN (2-2) - Cheick Touré (Own goal) 90'
Match Information
Venue: National Sports Center Stadium (Blaine, MN)
Weather: Partly cloudy, 76 degrees
Referee: Alex Beehler
Assistant Referee: Katarzyna Wasiak
Assistant Referee: Jake Brochu
Fourth Official: Brian Wood
Next Match
Austin FC II will host the MLS NEXT Pro Invititational at Parmer Field at St. David's Performance Center in a matchup of reigning champions on Saturday, July 27. Defending MLS NEXT Pro champs ATXFC II will take on defending Liga de Expansión MX champs Cancún FC in the first ever match between an MLSNP team and Mexican opposition. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CT and stream live for free on MLSNEXTPro.com. Tickets go on-sale to the public via SeatGeek on Monday, July 22 at 10 a.m. CT.
