Austin FC defender Julio Cascante was named to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Matchday, with midfielder Diego Fagundez and goalkeeper Brad Stuver selected to the Team of the Matchday bench for their performances in Austin’s 3-0 victory over FC Dallas on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium. Cascante earns his second Team of the Matchday selection of the 2023 season, while Stuver earns his third and Fagundez his first.
Cascante tallied two (2) assists, setting up Ethan Finlay’s opener in the 17th minute and playing a role in the buildup for Gyasi Zardes’ strike in the 58th minute. Cascante now has five (5) goal contributions in his last four (4) matches, and leads all MLS center backs in goal contributions in 2023. The Costa Rican also contributed to the team’s shutout, winning 6 of his 7 duels, both of his two (2) attempted tackles, and making two (2) clearances.
Fagundez netted Austin’s second goal in the 42nd minute with an audacious chip from the edge of the penalty area. With Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes off his line, Fagundez lofted a first-time shot over Dallas’ defenders and the recovering Paes for his first goal of the season. He also passed at a 92 percent success rate and created three (3) chances on the night.
Stuver made three (3) saves and kept his fourth clean sheet of 2023. He ranks fourth among MLS goalkeepers with 63 saves.
